More than 1M cruise ship passengers visited Atlantic Canada in record-breaking year

Tourists exit a huge cruise ship, in port on the Sydney waterfront, a place recognizable by the giant statue of a fiddle on the paved lot.

More than one million cruise ship passengers visited Atlantic Canada this year.

According to an announcement from the Atlantic Canada Cruise Association (ACCA) on Friday, the 2024 cruise season saw a 30 per cent increase in spring and summer visits compared to 2023.

In 2024, around 675 vessels visited the region bringing more than one million passengers from April to November.

“This year’s achievements underscore the dedication and teamwork of our ports, industry partners, regional stakeholders, and communities,” said ACCA executive director Sarah Rumley in the statement.

“Favourable weather, renowned hospitality, and one-of-a-kind experiences have been key to this success. As we celebrate these accomplishments, we remain committed to fostering a viable and responsible future for the cruise industry in Atlantic Canada.”

ACCA says more than 25 cruise lines visited the region, many of which were first-time calls.

The association says their five partner ports – Charlottetown, Corner Brook, Halifax, Saint John, and Sydney – played a pivotal role in bringing people to the region. An additional 20 more niche ports also helped bring visitors to experience the charm of Atlantic Canada, says ACCA.