News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 9, 2025

On the morning of March 10, Le Commandant Charcot from the French cruise line Ponant is scheduled to arrive in Corner Brook, Newfoundland. The luxurious expedition ship, which was launched in 2021, has a capacity of 245 passengers and 215 crew members. Ponant has since redefined how people perceive and experience polar cruising, taking immense pride in offering its guests “cruises of a kind never before undertaken.”

Unlike traditional cruise ships, the Le Commandant Charcot is an ice-class vessel. With a Polar Class 2 rating, Ponant’s innovative and groundbreaking vessel is the only one of its kind, capable of breaking through multi-year ice up to 2.5 meters thick. “Traditionally, our cruise season has been dictated by ice conditions surrounding the province, with our first call typically arriving in early June. However, the arrival of Le Commandant Charcot—designed to navigate winter water — marks a groundbreaking moment for our port.  Welcoming a cruise ship in winter brings unique logistical challenges, but our team is more than ready to rise to the occasion. This milestone not only extends our cruise season but also showcases our capability to adapt and grow as a premier destination for year-round expedition travel.” Patti Ricketts, Cruise Marketing Coordinator.

The Le Commandant Charcot entered the Canada New England region earlier this year, calling multiple ports along the St. Lawrence River. Corner Brook is included on Ponant’s Last Moments of Winter 16-day itinerary, which sails from Saint Pierre and Miquelon to Reykjavik, with stops at various ports along the St. Lawrence and Greenland. Jackie Chow, Chief Executive Officer, shares “For winter enthusiasts, Western Newfoundland is the ultimate destination, offering everything from skiing, snowshoeing, ziplining, and snowmobiling against a breathtaking winter backdrop. Our Province has long been promoted as a year-round destination, and now, with the arrival of winter cruises, we have the remarkable opportunity to share our unique winter adventures with the global cruise industry.”

In 2023, the Port, in collaboration with our cruise industry partners, organized winter and summer familiarization (FAM) tours for several senior executives from Ponant. FAM tours are a common practice in the tourism industry, providing decision-makers with the opportunity to experience firsthand our offerings – from breathtaking scenery, coastal charm, and a rich history and culture – all aimed at enticing them to bring business to our region. “Cruise lines typically plan itineraries 3-5 years in advance, making it rare to see the immediate impact of our efforts. Yet, Ponant’s rapid introduction of new itineraries in our region is remarkable. This expansion not only highlights the strength of our region but also reaffirms our global appeal in the industry.” Patti Ricketts, Cruise Marketing Coordinator.

The Carnival Pride will kick off our traditional cruise season on June 4, with the Insignia once again wrapping up the season on October 22. The Port of Corner Brook has twenty-three scheduled cruise ship calls, bringing a potential 31,000 passengers and 14,700 crew.

This year, we are pleased to welcome four maiden calls, including the highly anticipated arrival of Le Commandant Charcot. Also making their first visit to Corner Brook are Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Star, Celebrity Cruises’ Silhouette, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Splendor.

As we prepare for another vibrant season, our team remains committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences and showcasing our beautiful city and region. A detailed copy of the 2025 cruise schedule can be found here.

Corner Brook Port Corporation (CBPC) is an independent, community-based organization providing high-quality ocean transportation and distribution services through strategic partnerships. Its vision is to create economic value by connecting Western Newfoundland globally through tourism and trade. The Corporation achieves this through its three lines of business: industrial port operations, real estate, and cruise tourism.

Following a record-breaking 2023 cruise season, the Port of Corner Brook is excited to announce yet another year of remarkable growth in ship arrivals and passenger and crew numbers. From June 5 to November 1, we welcomed 50,342 passengers and 23,827 crew members, representing a 22.9% and 17.7% increase respectively compared to the previous year and double those of 2019.

This season, we saw a total of 36 port calls, made by 19 different cruise ships. Of these 19, eight made their inaugural visit to Corner Brook. “The continued growth of the cruise industry in Newfoundland and Labrador is a direct result of the collective effort and partnership between our team, local partners, and the broader Atlantic Region. This season’s impressive 36 port calls reflect the impact of years of collaborative marketing efforts and our ongoing commitment to highlighting Newfoundland and Labrador’s unique landscapes, culture, and hospitality. As demand for our destination grows, we are more motivated than ever to continue expanding and refining the experience we offer, ensuring every guest leaves with a desire to return” says Jennifer Crane, Business Development Manager.

On Saturday, September 21, the Port surpassed its previous single-day record set by the MSC Meraviglia in 2019. The Norwegian Jade and the Sky Princess combined carried 5,688 passengers and 2,368 crew members, totalling 8,056 guests. This was one of two double-ship days for the season. “Ten years ago, I never would have imagined seeing 36 ships. The growth we’ve seen since then has been nothing short of incredible. It’s a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of everyone involved—from our community to our stakeholders,” said Jackie Chow, Chief Executive Officer.

Across Atlantic Canada, ports have reported a rise in summer visitation, and Corner Brook is no exception. Nearly 35% of our visitors arrived between June and August, up from 27% in 2023. While September and October continue to be the peak cruise season in Canada New England, extending the season remains a top priority for the Port of Corner Brook. “As we look ahead to 2025, we’re more determined than ever to expand our cruise season and offer visitors even more opportunities to experience Newfoundland and Labrador’s breathtaking beauty. With exciting developments on the horizon, we’re confident that we’ll soon be welcoming guests in new and unexpected ways.” Patti Ricketts, Cruise Marketing Coordinator.

Corner Brook Port Corporation (CBPC) is an independent, community-based organization that provides high-quality ocean transportation and distribution services through strategic partnerships. Its vision is to create economic value by connecting Western Newfoundland globally through tourism and trade. The Corporation achieves this through its three lines of business: industrial port operations, real estate, and cruise tourism.