Port Charlottetown expecting record-breaking cruise season in 2023

CHARLOTTETOWN — Port Charlottetown expects a record number of cruise passenger arrivals to the Island's capital city in 2023.

The port anticipates 91 ships and over 150,000 passengers this year, marking a 40 per cent increase over last year's scheduled arrivals. Most ships are expected to arrive in September and October, and the port is working on enhancing its facilities to continuing establishing itself as a premier cruise destination.

Kelly Murphy, director of marketing and cruise development for the Charlottetown Harbour Authority, said Charlottetown is consistently ranked among the top ports of call in Canada.

“We really want to showcase the front-row experience to unforgettable memories that Port Charlottetown affords. Our incredible waterfront and historic downtown are mere steps away as passengers disembark, making it easy to explore our vibrant city," said Murphy. "Paired with high-quality excursions beyond the city passengers can get a true taste of the Island in one immersive day.”

One of the largest ships set to arrive this season is the MSC Meraviglia, which has a passenger count of 4,500 and a complement of 1,500 crew and will make three calls to the port in 2023.

By size, the largest ship to call to Charlottetown in 2023 will be the Norwegian Joy, which is 333 metres long and will carry 3,804 passengers and 1,821 crew.

This year's cruise schedule also includes 15 double-ship days and six triple-ship days.

Port Charlottetown and its tourism partners are also developing digital kiosks and a digital walking map of Charlottetown this year.