Celebrations took place at the Port of Montreal Tower, attended by Julie Gascon, President and CEO of the MPA, along with officers from Insignia and Nautica, and key Montreal cruise industry stakeholders, including Laurentian Pilotage Authority CEO Marc-Yves Bertin.
“The arrival of these nine new cruise ships shows that cruise lines have taken greater interest in the Port of Montreal, and reflects the results of the solid, long-lasting collaborations we maintain with our marine and local partners,” said Julie Gascon, President and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority. “This collective effort lets us continually improve our operations and infrastructure and implement innovative initiatives, which attract thousands of cruise passengers every year. Together, we are strengthening Montreal’s status as a key port of call in North America, while committing ourselves to a more environmentally friendly future,” she continued.
$25 Million in Economic Benefits for Montreal
Beyond enhancing the city’s allure, cruise tourism generated an estimated $25 million in economic benefits in 2024. Each visitor contributed to the local economy, creating direct and indirect jobs and boosting Montreal’s vibrant attractions and businesses. This growth spurred local initiatives to highlight the city’s heritage while supporting the community.
The MPA also prioritized community engagement, fostering an inviting environment for visitors to immerse themselves in Montreal’s culture. Throughout the season, over 248 tonnes of Quebec produce—fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, seafood, and eggs—were provided to ships, strengthening ties with local suppliers.
A full and varied tourist experience
“As the cruise season draws to a close, we’re celebrating the memorable encounters between Montreal and visitors from around the world. It’s exciting to see that more and more cruise passengers are eager to spend time in our neighbourhoods, which results in a more dispersed flow of tourists. Every cruise passenger had the opportunity to experience our city’s rich history, delicious food and vibrant culture, while enjoying the diversity of its landmarks, such as Old Montreal. We look forward to welcoming passengers back in 2025,” said Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal.
Sustainable Leadership and Environmental Achievements
For the 17th consecutive year, the Port of Montreal was lauded by Green Marine for its sustainable practices. Additionally, the port’s shore power system, which allows cruise ships to shut down their engines while docked, saw extensive use this season. Twelve cruise ships connected to the shore power, using 717,064 kWh, resulting in a reduction of 579.4 tonnes of GHG emissions.
An invaluable contribution to cruise operations
“LPA is proud to offer a safe and efficient marine pilotage service that contributes to the growth of the Port of Montreal and the economy of tourist destinations along the St. Lawrence River. The pilotage system we deploy between Les Escoumins and Montreal is made possible by the expertise, professionalism and close collaboration of our dispatchers, pilot boat crews and pilots. It is thanks to the meticulous work of this entire team that cruise ships from all over the world navigate the river and arrive safely at their destination,” said Marc-Yves Bertin, Chief Executive Officer, Laurentian Pilotage Authority.
Promising Developments for 2025
Looking forward, the MPA is poised for growth with the anticipated return of lines like Silversea and Crystal Cruises, plans to introduce new vessels, and efforts to enhance visitor experiences. Continued partnerships with cruise lines and local stakeholders will ensure Montreal’s position as a top North American cruise destination.
“We are totally focused on the future. The Port of Montreal is not simply a port of call. We want every cruise passenger to have the best possible experience and contribute even more to the city’s economic vitality and tourism industry,” concluded Ms. Gascon.
2024 Season Highlights:
- Economic impact: $25 million
- Passengers welcomed: 50,000
- Cruise operations: 41
- Vessels: 20
- New cruise ships welcomed: 9
- Shore power connections: 12
- kWh used via shore power: 717,064
- GHG emissions reduced: 579.4 tonnes
- Quebec produce delivered: 239 tonnes of fruit and vegetables, 4.4 tonnes of cheese, 2.7 tonnes of seafood, 2.7 tonnes of meat
- Local eggs provided: 287,000
- Information requests to Tourisme Montréal: 9,500
- Passenger pick-ups by cab: 2,400, including 25% by electric taxis
The Port of Montreal’s successful 2024 cruise season stands as a testament to its economic, environmental, and community-driven achievements.
Tags: Yves Lalumière, Tourisme Montréal, Marc-Yves Bertin, Laurentian Pilotage Authority Julie Gascon, Montreal Port Authority