The Atlantic Canada Cruise Association (ACCA) said it has celebrated a dynamic 2025 cruise season defined by inaugural visits, significant milestones and strong collaboration across the region.
The 2025 season opened on March 10 with Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot making its first winter call in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador, and concluded on November 19 when the AIDAdiva departed Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Between the first and last calls, the region received 610 vessel visits and more than 845,000 passenger visits at ports across all four Atlantic provinces.
“Atlantic Canada has long been known as a premier cruise destination in the fall, and its central role in Canada New England itineraries, along with other sailings, continues to highlight the region’s appeal throughout the cruise season,” noted Sarah Rumley, ACCA’s executive director. “While the beauty of autumn will always be a remarkable draw, guests are discovering the vibrancy of our summer season, the depth of experience offered across our ports, and the regional cuisine that makes Atlantic Canada welcoming in every season.”
New callers in the region in 2025 included the Brilliant Lady from Virgin Voyages, as well as Oceania’s Allura, the Celebrity Silhouette, Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot, the Majestic Princess, Seven Seas Splendor and Silver Dawn.
Port Highlights
Saint John, New Brunswick: Port Saint John welcomed a 83 cruise ships and more than 196,000 passenger visits for the year. The port also supported several weather-related diversions, contributing to its busiest week on record from September 29 to October 3, when 15 vessels and over 32,000 passenger visits arrived.
Halifax, Nova Scotia: From June 9 to 11, Halifax hosted more than 200 delegates for the Cruise Canada New England Symposium.
Sydney, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia: Cape Breton Island welcomed more than 100 cruise ships in 2025, with the Port of Sydney managing several busy days that included multiple double, triple, and even quadruple ship arrivals.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island: Port Charlottetown marked a significant milestone in 2025, welcoming its two millionth cruise visitor during Holland America Line’s Volendam call on July 4.
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador: St. John’s saw nine inaugural calls, eight turnarounds, and multiple overnight stays that allowed guests to fully experience the destination.
Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador: The 2025 season in Corner Brook began with the Le Commandant Charcot’s winter call and later saw Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 return for a third visit to western Newfoundland and Labrador.
