More room for more passengers
Port Charlottetown will open south berth expansion this year and welcome 154,000 people this season
Another record season is shaping up for Port Charlottetown.
The cruise ship season is expected to bring an estimated 154,000 passengers and more than 70,000 crew members over the course of 97 ship calls to the capital city.
Port Charlottetown also anticipates officially christening the south berth expansion with the arrival of two ships this spring.
“Having the ability to berth two mid- to large-size vessels simultaneously will be a great improvement to our port operations,’’ said Corryn Clemence, cruise development, communications and brand manager for the port.
“This will increase landside operations and the efficiency of short excursions and dispatching of tours.’’
Construction of the expansion began in the spring of 2018 and is set to be finalized by June.
Mike Cochrane, CEO of Port Charlottetown, said the estimated direct economic benefit this season is expected to be just under $26.5 million.
“With continued growth of cruise (visits) on Prince Edward Island, these numbers are very impressive and firmly establishes this sector as an important contributor to the Island economy,’’ Cochrane said.
“This is a six-month sailing season, and we are incredibly pleased to see the full season continue to grow and expand.’’
The season kicks off April 29 with calls from Holland America’s Zaandam (1,432 passengers) and Victory Cruise Line’s Victory II (200 passengers).
This year will also see inaugural calls from Norwegian Cruise Line’s Encore (Sept. 14, 3,998 passengers), Ritz Carlton’s Evrima (Sept. 19, 298 passengers) and Royal Caribbean’s Empress of the Sea (June 8, June 15, 1,840 passengers).
In addition, the MSC Meraviglia will return for two calls this fall. This ship carries 4,500 passengers.
The season will wrap up with a call from the Victory II on Nov. 1.
For a complete schedule, visit www.portcharlottetown. com.