Atlantic Canada Marks Milestones in Strong 2025 Cruise Season

The Atlantic Canada Cruise Association (ACCA) has reported a vibrant and successful 2025 cruise season, highlighted by first time port visits, major achievements and strong cooperation across the region.

The season officially began on March 10 with Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot making its first winter call in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador. It concluded on November 19 with the departure of AIDAdiva from Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Throughout the season, ports across the four Atlantic provinces welcomed 610 ship calls and more than 845,000 passenger visits.

“Atlantic Canada has long been known as a premier cruise destination in the fall, and its central role in Canada New England itineraries, along with other sailings, continues to highlight the region’s appeal throughout the cruise season,” said ACCA executive director Sarah Rumley. “While the beauty of autumn will always be a remarkable draw, guests are discovering the vibrancy of our summer season, the depth of experience offered across our ports, and the regional cuisine that makes Atlantic Canada welcoming in every season.”

The region saw several inaugural visits in 2025, including the Brilliant Lady from Virgin Voyages, Oceania’s Allura, Celebrity Silhouette, Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot, the Majestic Princess, Seven Seas Splendor and SilverDawn.

St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador: The port received nine inaugural visits, eight turnarounds and several overnight stays, giving guests more time to explore the area.

Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador: The season opened with Le Commandant Charcot’s winter arrival and later included the Queen Mary 2’s third visit to western Newfoundland and Labrador.

Saint John, New Brunswick: The port handled 83 cruise calls and more than 196,000 passenger visits. It also supported several weather related diversions, contributing to its busiest week on record from September 29 to October 3, with 15 ships and over 32,000 passenger visits.

Sydney, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia: Cape Breton Island welcomed over 100 cruise ships. The Port of Sydney experienced several high traffic days with multiple double, triple and even quadruple ship calls.

Halifax, Nova Scotia: From June 9 to 11, the city hosted more than 200 attendees for the Cruise Canada New England Symposium.

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island: The port celebrated a major milestone when it welcomed its two millionth cruise visitor during Holland America Line’s Volendam call on July 4.