Promotion Saguenay has celebrated 20 years of international cruising. On September 15, 2006, Holland America Line’s Amsterdam inaugurated Saguenay’s first international season. Two decades later, it is the second-largest international cruise port on the St. Lawrence.
Promotion Saguenay said in a press release that since then, Saguenay has welcomed nearly 700,000 passengers and hundreds of ships.
“Twenty years after the arrival of the Amsterdam, Saguenay is recognized as a must-visit destination on the Canada–New England cruise itinerary,” said Priscilla Nemey, president and chief executive officer of Promotion Saguenay.
“This success is the result of the hard work, dedication and passion of hundreds of partners, employees and volunteers who, year after year, have helped us give our visitors an exceptional welcome. I want to thank them sincerely,” added Nemey.
“The Port of Saguenay is proud to have been a partner in the success of international cruising in Saguenay from the very beginning,” said Carl Laberge, president and chief executive officer of the Port of Saguenay.
“As we celebrate this 20th anniversary, we can take great pride not only in how far we have come, but also in the strength and effectiveness of the partnership between the Port of Saguenay, Promotion Saguenay and the City of Saguenay,” added Laberge.
“For more than two decades, this collaboration has helped showcase the extraordinary beauty of our region to visitors from around the world. Congratulations to everyone who, over the past 20 years, has helped establish Saguenay as the leading port of call in the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes region and as a destination renowned for its exceptional welcome.”
According to the press release, the anniversary was attended by the captains and officers of the Sapphire Princess, Viking Mars and Seven Seas Splendor, in port in the Baie des Ha! Ha!, along with partners and dignitaries.
The event also officially launched the 20th anniversary celebrations, which will continue through the winter cruise calls in early 2027.
The press release added that the celebration follows milestones including the opening of the international cruise terminal in 2009, winning the Best Port Welcome award along with the “Hands down, the best in the world” award, as well as the 2015 opening of the port village.
The inaugural call of the prestigious Queen Mary 2 in 2016, followed by two visits from the Disney Magic in 2018, also marked important chapters in Saguenay’s cruise history, the press release stated.
The destination has also achieved the international Biosphere certification in sustainable development in 2024 and, in 2025, launched the first-ever winter cruise season in Quebec and North America.
