Newfoundland and Labrador wrapped up a record-breaking 2025 cruise season, Cruise Newfoundland & Labrador announced in a press release.
According to the association, the season was the longest in the region’s history, running from January 16 through October 22, 2025.
Cruise Newfoundland & Labrador said that the extended operation reinforced the province’s “growing role as a premier cruise destination” in the region.
Newfoundland and Labrador ports welcomed a diverse mix of ships, including vessels from contemporary, expedition and luxury lines operating in Canada, New England, the Arctic and more.
Over 180 calls were hosted across 24 destinations, including 22 calls to Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, bringing nearly 100,000 guests and more than 40,000 crew members ashore.
The association said that the visits supported local businesses across the province, including in major urban centers, smaller rural communities, and remote coastal towns.
“Cruise continues to be an important driver of economic activity for communities across Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Katelyn Budgell, managing director of Cruise Newfoundland & Labrador.
“The 2025 season demonstrated the strength of our product, the value of collaboration across ports and communities, and the growing demand for immersive, place-based experiences that our province delivers so well,” she added.
“The 2025 cruise season was a very positive one for the Port of St. John’s, with strong vessel activity highlighted by nine inaugural calls, eight turnarounds, and several overnight stays,” said Bob McCarthy, vice president of development at the Port of St. John’s and past chair of Cruise Newfoundland & Labrador.
“These extended visits allowed guests to fully experience the destination and continue to reinforce St. John’s role as a key gateway delivering a high-quality guest experience.”
“Cruise visitors in 2025 brought a welcome boost to Corner Brook, with several ships making their inaugural visits and supporting local businesses, restaurants, and tour operators,” said Glenda Simms, supervisor of tourism for the City of Corner Brook and Director of Cruise Newfoundland & Labrador.
“These visits showcased our city as a vibrant and welcoming destination, and we’re especially proud to host our first-ever winter cruise, giving more visitors the chance to experience all our region has to offer,” she added.
The association also highlighted milestones of the 2025 season, including the province’s first winter cruise operation that featured calls in Corner Brook and Saint-Pierre et Miquelon.
St. Anthony also welcomed a record-breaking season driven by increased ship calls, while two new ports were certified: Trinity and Bonavista.
The 2025 season also featured a province-wide circumnavigation itinerary with Adventure Canada, showcasing 15 destinations across Newfoundland and Labrador, in addition to the debut of a remote digital clearance pilot program.
The initiative was created along with federal partners to streamline vessel clearance and expand cruise access to remote and northern communities, the association said.
Cruise Newfoundland & Labrador added that, as interest in the destination continues to build, it is already seeing confirmed and prospective bookings extending into 2026, 2027 and 2028.
