Port of Corner Brook expecting record cruise season
The Port of Corner Brook has record bookings for the 2023 cruise season, following a celebratory post-pandemic return to cruise in 2022.
The 2022 cruise season results exceeded expectations following a two-year pause due to COVID-19 restrictions. The season concluded with 23 cruise ship calls carrying almost 26,000 passengers, up 3.25% from 2019. “Expecting ship capacities would be down, we didn’t anticipate reaching 2019 numbers in the first year of cruise resumption, but I’m happy to report that we surpassed these results,” says Jennifer Hartley, Business Development Manager. The cruise industry provides significant economic value to the region and is essential to the tourism sector. Contributing to the overall success for 2022 was the increase of cruise ship occupancy rate throughout the year as COVID-19 restrictions eased, and consumer confidence in the industry returned. The total ‘spend’ from cruise lines and the 40,879 cruise guests and crew combined with indirect expenditures resulted in a estimated total economic impact for the region of $8.6 million for the 2022 season.
The focus for the 2022 season was to ensure the safe resumption of the local cruise sector for passengers, crew, port staff and, of course, the community. Creating a positive experience for all stakeholders was a crucial component in helping to make this season a success. During the pandemic, the Port of Corner Brook launched a weekly international container service which would affect the berthing schedule and the cruise welcome program. Throughout last season, the Port added many new upgrades including a 100 ft tender dock and gangway that is positioned along the south part of the wharf to allow vessels to tender guests to shore when the berth is unavailable. Tendering is a standard service in the cruise industry and enables the Port of Corner Brook to be more flexible with berth reservations. We saw three cruise ships take advantage of this service and currently have four cruise ships booked at anchor for next season.
The Regent Seven Seas Navigator will return in May 2023, officially kicking off the Port of Corner Brook cruise season in their first of five calls. The largest ship to call the Port is the Norwegian Joy, which is 333 metres long, carries 3,800 passengers along with 1800 crew and will make three calls this season. Marking the end of the cruise season will be the Oceania Cruises’ Insignia on November 3.
“We are pleased to release the 2023 cruise schedule, which features 32 cruise ship calls, six maiden voyages and four double ship days. As we prepare for another busy season, we hope to further transform the passenger experience through additional infrastructure enhancements, and we look forward to our future growth in the industry.”
Jackie Chow, CEO, Corner Brook Port Corporation
The Port of Corner Brook continues to make improvements to ensure the passengers and crew enjoy the shoreside experience. We look forward to working with our cruise partners and stakeholders to ensure another successful year. From the local businesses to the volunteers, our community continues to come together to provide a warm welcome and positive atmosphere for cruise tourists. Once again, we encourage community members to reach out to see how they can get involved.
