On November 4, 2024, Port Saint John celebrated the conclusion of another highly successful cruise season, capping off a year of record-breaking achievements and growth. Throughout the seven-month period, the port welcomed 74 cruise ship calls, with a total of 163,251 passengers and 68,865 crew members visiting the stunning Bay of Fundy region. These numbers reflect a significant increase in interest from both cruise lines and travelers, underscoring the Bay of Fundy’s growing prominence as a must-visit destination.
“We’re incredibly proud of the far-reaching impact that cruise tourism has had throughout our entire Bay of Fundy region,” said Craig Bell Estabrooks, President and CEO of Port Saint John. He emphasized the undeniable contribution of the cruise sector to the ongoing revitalization of the Saint John waterfront, which has seen notable development in recent years thanks to the influx of cruise visitors. Estabrooks’ remarks highlight the broader economic and cultural benefits that cruise tourism brings to the region, not only through direct visitor spending but also through increased investment in infrastructure and community projects.
A Strong Collaborative Effort: Port Team, Cruise Lines, and the Local Community
Port Saint John’s 2024 cruise season is a testament to the powerful collaboration between various stakeholders, including the port’s team, cruise line customers, local sector partners, and the welcoming Saint John community. Natalie Allaby, Director of Cruise Excellence at Port Saint John, expressed her pride in the season’s success, noting that the collective efforts of all involved were critical in delivering exceptional experiences for cruise guests.
“The strength of our partnerships is reflected in the way we’ve been able to showcase the Bay of Fundy’s vibrant offerings,” Allaby said. She noted that local community involvement has been key to providing an authentic and memorable experience for each visitor. From welcoming events to cultural experiences, the region has become increasingly adept at meeting the expectations of travelers seeking rich, meaningful experiences.
2024 Highlights and Milestones: A Banner Year for Port Saint John
The 2024 season was marked by numerous milestones and notable events that helped set it apart from previous years. One of the standout features of the season was the number of overnight calls. With 11 overnight calls on cruise ships, this represents an opportunity for passengers to experience Saint John in a deeper and more immersive way. These extended stays allow for more in-depth exploration of the region, with passengers enjoying everything from local tours to cultural performances.
Additionally, the season saw 10 inaugural cruise calls, highlighting Port Saint John’s growing appeal to major cruise lines and its rising profile as a primary cruise destination in the region. These inaugural calls also helped to foster further relationships between the port and the cruise industry, leading to more business opportunities for the future.
The year also saw an impressive 15 double ship days and six triple ship days, which, according to the port’s statistics, helped to maximize economic impact for the region. These days, when multiple ships arrive in port at the same time, create a buzz of activity throughout the city, with shops, restaurants, and local attractions benefiting from the surge of passengers. These multiple-ship days are indicative of the port’s ability to handle increased traffic and highlight its efficient operations and infrastructure.
One of the key developments this year was the grand opening of Ihtoli-maqahamok / The Gathering Space and Long Wharf Landing on Harbour Passage. These new venues provide additional space for visitors and enhance the overall cruise experience, providing both practical infrastructure and attractive public spaces for passengers and local residents alike.
In addition, Port Saint John partnered with AREA 506, an exciting new waterfront initiative located adjacent to the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal. AREA 506 is designed to offer an enhanced passenger experience, with art installations and a large selfie mural showcasing the iconic Bay of Fundy tides. This creative and interactive project has helped to raise awareness about the region’s natural wonders and provided visitors with a unique way to engage with the area’s rich cultural and environmental heritage.
A Bright Future: New Developments and Cultural Attractions
2024 was also a year of long-term vision, as Port Saint John announced the groundbreaking of a new provincial museum, set to open in 2027. The New Brunswick Museum will provide a cultural and historical attraction that is expected to further solidify the region’s status as a cruise and tourism destination. The new museum will offer visitors a deeper understanding of the province’s heritage, contributing to the overall tourist experience and ensuring that visitors continue to find new reasons to visit the Bay of Fundy.
These new cultural initiatives, combined with the port’s strategic focus on infrastructure improvement, are expected to continue to drive growth for the region’s cruise tourism industry in the coming years. The focus on art, culture, and community-driven tourism experiences aligns with broader trends in the industry, where tourists are increasingly seeking authentic, local experiences alongside traditional sightseeing.
Economic Impact of Cruise Tourism: A Boost for New Brunswick
The impact of cruise tourism on the economy of New Brunswick in 2024 cannot be understated. Port Saint John’s cruise season generated an estimated $68 million in economic impact for the province, with a substantial portion of this revenue coming from passenger spending on shore excursions, local accommodations, dining, and shopping. This figure underscores the importance of cruise tourism to the province’s economy and highlights the potential for further growth as more ships begin to include Port Saint John in their itineraries.
The cruise tourism sector also contributes to job creation and local business development, supporting everything from tour operators to hospitality services. The port’s success is, therefore, not only a win for the tourism industry but also a vital driver of regional economic growth.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Port Saint John and the 2025 Season
As the 2024 season concludes, preparations are already underway for the release of the 2025 cruise schedule. Port Saint John remains focused on strengthening its partnerships within the cruise industry and expanding its portfolio of services for both cruise lines and visitors. The 2025 season promises to bring more growth, more innovation, and, most importantly, more opportunities for the Bay of Fundy region to showcase its unique offerings to the world.
Conclusion: A Strong Future for Cruise Tourism in the Bay of Fundy
Port Saint John’s 2024 cruise season marks a milestone in the region’s growing success as a cruise destination. With 74 ship calls, new developments, and a significant economic impact, the Bay of Fundy is poised for continued growth in the coming years. The success of the season is a testament to the power of collaboration between the port, the cruise lines, and the local community, and sets a high bar for future seasons. As the port looks ahead to 2025 and beyond, the future of cruise tourism in the Bay of Fundy has never looked brighter.
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