Diverse NL Product Fueled Strong 2013 Cruise Season
The Cruise Association of Newfoundland & Labrador is delighted to report that 2013 has been yet another successful year for cruise ship visits. The 2013 season saw 64 port calls to 23 Newfoundland & Labrador ports by 16 cruise operators with 20 ships. There were 41,376 passengers and 20,444 crew, for a total of 61,820 visits. In Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, our neighbours just to the south, there were five port calls by five different cruise operators with five ships. The French islands hosted a combined 3,314 visits from passengers and crew. The six-month season began in the capital city, St. John’s, with a visit by the Silver Whisper on May 8, and it ended on the West Coast in Corner Brook when the Emerald Princess visited on Oct. 29.
The province is seeing a rise in the number of cruise lines looking to include multiple Newfoundland & Labrador ports on single itineraries. “The cruise industry is truly a provincial affair, with visits this year ranging from Francois on the South Coast of the island to Saglek Fjord in Northern Labrador,” says Chair of the Board of Directors of the Cruise Association, St. John’s Mayor Dennis O’Keefe. “Communities large and small benefit from the economic impact of cruise ships. Many of our ports have a distinct feel with unique charm, from small fishing towns that deliver big on cultural experiences, to bustling cities with high-end shopping and five-star dining. Our product is rich and diverse, and that creates an important competitive advantage on the global scene.”
Adventure Canada Makes a Big Difference in Labrador
Adventure Canada Resource Staff Member, Ian Tamblyn tries out the new equipment with a young boy from Makkovik
On September 14, 2013, children and parents in Makkovik were thrilled to receive a surprise donation of 25 bags full of brand new ice hockey equipment. This gift – totaling $25,000 – was made possible by Adventure Canada, the NHL Players’ Association, and Project North, a not-for-profit foundation committed to bringing the power of play to Inuit children in northern communities. “The warm welcome and sense of excitement from the community we experienced in Makkovik was overwhelming,” said Michelle Valberg, President and Founder of Project North. The equipment arrived via the Sea Adventurer, an expedition vessel chartered by Adventure Canada for their Greenland and Wild Labrador cruise. “The guests on the ship helped us pack all the equipment on board before we reached Makkovik,” said Michelle. Guests also joined the Makkovik community for a luncheon and some live entertainment before setting sail to their next port of call. To learn more about those involved, please visit www.projectnorth.ca, www.adventurecanada.com, and www.nhlpa.com/giving-back/goals-and-dreams.
Port Profile: Corner Brook
A popular shore excursion from the port of Corner Brook: the Tablelands of Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Sail into the Port of Corner Brook and retrace the voyage of famous British explorer Captain James Cook when he mapped the Bay of Islands in 1767. The views along the rugged Humber Arm are simply stunning and perfect for nature-lovers. Steep forested hills rise to mountains all around, and an ancient glacial fjord stretches as far as the eye can see. Nearby Gros Morne National Park UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts geology twenty times older than the Rockies. The red, barren rock of the Tablelands on the south side of the park is essential to modern geological understanding, and one of only a few places in the world where the earth’s mantle is exposed.
Adventure-seekers will have no trouble finding their edge in Corner Brook. Located just ten minutes from the port at the base of Marble Mountain Ski Resort, guests from 8 to 80 will be thrilled with the spectacular view from the highest zipline in Canada, including a 20-storey waterfall. Down below, the Humber River offers an experience like no other. The slow and steady roll of the gentle rapids can be felt underneath the hull of a kayak or river raft. Along with gorgeous hiking trails and guided bicycle tours, adventure is just minutes from dockside. For more information visit: http://cornerbrookport.com/
Happy Holidays!
From the Cruise NL Board and Staff to our valued stakeholders and partners, we wish you the very best of the holiday season and smooth sailing in 2014!
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