The Return of Cruise in Atlantic Canada

Atlantic Canadians had been dreaming about a return to normalcy for nearly two years, and it finally began to set in when the Viking Octantis cruise ship docked at Port Charlottetown in Prince Edward Island just five months ago. Since then, several more cruise ships have been coasting through Atlantic Canadian waters, with the height of the season upon us, and our port cities could not be more pleased.  

Read on for more highlights on the exciting return of cruise in Atlantic Canada. 

The Great Return  

Cruise officially resumed in Atlantic Canada on April 22, 2022, when the Viking Octantis, a special expedition ship, arrived in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Soon after the Viking’s debut in the region, the Ocean Navigator and Norwegian Getaway arrived in the Halifax Harbour, the Seven Seas Navigator made stops in Saint John, Sydney and Corner Brook, the Ocean Explorer visited Lunenburg, Pearl Mist had calls in St. Andrews and Grand Manan, while the Silver Cloud docked in Yarmouth and Louisbourg and the Ocean Endeavour in Saint-Pierre et Miquelon.   

Many of our ports, such as Pictou and Shelburne are set to welcome back their first ships since 2019 in September and October.  

The return of cruise has seen an amazing display of excitement and warmth from both tourists and locals. And just like that, within only a matter of days, energy has returned to the ports of Atlantic Canada. 

Warm Cruise Ship Welcoming 

With our port cities quiet since November 2019, they were absolutely delighted to welcome ships back to their waterfronts. Not only have locals been overjoyed at the return of cruise, but tourists say that they feel incredibly safe and well taken care of while visiting. The Atlantic Canadian provinces have always been known for their incredible hospitality, but now with the added safety protocols in place, visitors say they feel even more comfortable and welcomed.  

The return of cruise not only brings life back to our port cities, but it also has a huge economic impact. Before the pandemic, the industry pumped more than $347 million dollars into the local economy and contributed to over 2,000 jobs. Although the pandemic took a toll on cruise in the region, several port cities took advantage of this time off by reinvigorating their ports to increase capacity for ships and create a better overall experience for guests. With tourism being a predominant economic driver across the region, cruise traffic will help to heal the financial wounds that businesses continue to face as a result of the pandemic.   

In addition to the economic benefits, the return of cruise has also allowed people in Atlantic Canada to reconnect with visitors and with their own communities. Passengers are excited to be able to explore Atlantic Canada again and discover our special attractions, and we’re excited to share them. From our cuisine, hospitality, history, culture, and coastal beauty, our region offers a one-of-a-kind experience you simply can’t get anywhere else in the world.   

More Cruise Ships to Come in Atlantic Canada 

From the commencement of cruise in April to the tail end of the season in November, it is projected that we can expect 500 calls to our Atlantic Canadian ports this season. The height of our season is during the fall in September and October and it’s not surprising why. All seasons in Atlantic Canada are breathtaking and the perfect time to visit, but you could say that our beauty peaks in the fall months. Tourists get to experience fall in full bloom, where the crisp air, stunning foliage, and smaller crowds make for the perfect cruise experience.  

Popular Partner Port Excursions in Atlantic Canada in the Fall 

One of the best things about the cruise season in Atlantic Canada is the opportunity to explore multiple different port cities and discover all they have to offer. Here are some popular partner port excursions for fall: 

• Embark on a Historic Walking Tour through the beautiful Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. 
• Zipline through Newfoundland & Labrador’s pristine West coast with Marble Zip Tours in Corner Brook, Newfoundland & Labrador and experience fall colours like no other. 

• In Halifax, Nova Scotia, you can shop, dine, and see the sights at the tiny fishing village below one of Nova Scotia’s most famous, breathtaking, and photographed places, Peggy’s Cove. 
• Visit the Moosehead Brewery in Saint John, New Brunswick, the oldest independent brewery in Canada. You can also book a tour of the new Small Batch Brewery and stay a while, enjoying a few pints on the beautiful patio. 
• Discover the Fortress of Louisbourg in Sydney, Nova Scotia and explore the mesmerizing history that has shaped the destiny of this continent. 

There’s truly something for everyone to enjoy in Atlantic Canada. These are only a few of our many activities across Atlantic Canada’s port cities. For a complete guide to what you can experience in the region visit our port pages or click here to read 6 Reasons Why You Should Cruise to Atlantic Canada.  

The return of cruise in Atlantic Canada has been a long-awaited event and we are so pleased to see it back in action! Stay tuned for more updates.