Tag - Port of Corner Brook

27 Nov

Port of Corner Brook Sets New Records

We are pleased to announce that the 2023 cruise season was a recording-breaking year for the Port of Corner Brook. Between June 30 and November 3, we welcomed 16 vessels into the port for an impressive 28 calls.

Our portfolio for the 2023 season was diverse, ranging in size from nimble expedition ships and world-class luxury ships to classic, well-loved cruise ships.

With the help of our partners and stakeholders, we have created lasting memories of Newfoundland for 40,948 passengers and 20,246 well-traveled crew members. These numbers represent a dramatic increase of 58% and 36%, respectively, from the 2022 season.

The Port of Corner Brook has made significant investments to elevate its cruise tourism offerings, amenities, and shoreside experiences. Throughout the 2022 and 2023 seasons, the port constructed seven market sheds with accessibility features, enhanced signage incorporating diverse cultural and artistic elements, and introduced designated selfie spots. Additionally, the port has established supplementary seating areas to augment the overall visitor experience. As part of this comprehensive project, the port acquired a new gangway and floating dock, enabling the port to sustain its international container service operations while seamlessly receiving cruise passengers at the port.

“Thanks to the invaluable support from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, we’ve successfully transformed our dockside experience through the cruise enhancement project. Disembarking passengers now enjoy an immediate welcome at our vibrant vendors market, enhanced information kiosk, and additional seating areas—all made possible through this collaborative effort.” Jackie Chow, Chief Executive Officer.

2023 was nothing short of a celebration. The Port of Corner Brook successfully welcomed six inaugural calls, facilitated three double ship days, and commemorated the 150th anniversary of the Holland America Line with visitors of the Zaandam.

This cruise season also marked a significant milestone as the port celebrated the arrival of its 300,000th passenger since the commencement of cruising in Corner Brook in 1976. The Port of Corner Brook also set a provincial record for the highest number of cruise passengers in a single season among all ports in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“The arrival of our 300,000th cruise passenger is a momentous occasion. These significant passenger increases and milestones reflect the resilience and growth we’ve experienced since the inception of cruising in Corner Brook, highlighting our commitment to providing exceptional experiences for travellers.” Jennifer Crane, Business Development Manager.

The port secured two unexpected bookings during the Thanksgiving weekend. As a result, from October 7th to 9th, we welcomed more than 14,000 passengers and crew, an impressive 23% of our total visitors for the season. The positive feedback from cruise passengers undoubtedly reflects the community’s hospitality and openness.

The economic benefits generated by the local cruise industry extend across diverse sectors, leaving a profound impact on the community. Increased cruise tourists spark economic activity, benefitting many sectors including retail, transportation, security, and various small business owners. We estimate that the total economic impact for the region is $14.1 million between direct and indirect expenditures.

As cruising grows in popularity and gains momentum worldwide, it is unsurprising that our 2024 cruise season reflects continued growth. 

“Although it is too early to disclose the 2024 schedule at this time, we can confidently say that we anticipate a considerable increase in port calls and passenger and crew numbers. We are pleased by the anticipated growth and deeply grateful for the dedication and commitment of our community and stakeholders in supporting and fostering cruise tourism in the region. The collective effort to ensure the industry’s continued success and expansion is inspiring.” Patti Ricketts, Cruise Marketing Coordinator.

Corner Brook Port Corporation (CBPC) is an independent and 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.

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11 Aug

Job Opportunity at the Port of Corner Brook

Cruise Marketing Coordinator

Job Type: full-time, permanent

Salary: $55,000-65,000

Location: Corner Brook, NL

Due to the Port of Corner Brook’s significant business growth, there is an immediate need to expand the team. The Corner Brook Port Corporation (CBPC) is seeking a dynamic and motivated Cruise Marketing Coordinator. Reporting to the Business Development Manager (BDM), the ideal candidate will play a crucial role in supporting the planning, execution, and analysis of the cruise line of business. This role requires an outgoing person who can collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, communicate clearly, and contribute to the growth of the port’s cruise business.

Key Responsibilities:

  • oversee the planning and coordinating of cruise-related events and attending trade shows and exhibitions to showcase our offerings and engage with cruise lines, while enhancing the Corporation’s profile.
  • Represent CBPC on various industry boards and committees and participates in meetings.
  • establish good working relationships with cruise line executives, ship agents, itinerary planners, reservation agents, and tour operators.
  • oversee the hiring and training of annual cruise staff and manage operations during cruise ship visits.
  • prepare and give PowerPoint presentations and write reports including funding proposals, annual reports, marketing report, etc.
  • identify potential partnerships and promotional opportunities to enhance the visibility of our cruise offerings and expand our reach.
  • manage the port’s social media accounts, creating and scheduling posts, monitoring engagement, and responding to comments and messages.
  • create compelling and engaging content for cruise marketing materials, including brochures, website content, and social media posts.
  • assist BDM with tasks related to the industrial and real estate lines of business, such as tracking cargo statistics and other reporting.
  • perform other duties including but not limited to data entry, answering phones, scheduling meetings, and addressing general inquiries.

Qualifications and Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Business, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in marketing, preferably in the travel or hospitality industry.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficiency in social media platforms and content management systems.
  • Detail-oriented and well-organized, capable of multitasking and meeting deadlines.
  • Knowledge of cruise industry and tourism are a plus.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Flexibility to travel and participate in events as needed.

About CBPC

CBPC is an independent and 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.

To Apply

If you are interested in joining our team, we encourage you to submit your application in person, by mail or email. CBPC is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We strive to create a culture of inclusivity where individuals feel comfortable and empowered to contribute their unique talents and skills to our team.

Please enclose a cover letter, resume and two references.

Email: applicants@cornerbrookport.com

Deadline to apply: August 15, 2023 by 12:00pm

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02 Jun

Notice of AGM

Join us for the Annual General Meeting of the Corner Brook Port Corporation on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at 5 pm. The meeting will take place in the second-level boardroom of the R. A. Pollett Building, located at 61 Riverside Drive. All members are welcome to attend. RSVP required. Please contact Jennifer Hartley at 709-634-6600 or jhartley@cornerbrookport.com.

Current Agenda

  • Greetings from Chair
  • Introduction of Board and Staff
  • Adoption of Agenda
  • Approval of Junw 23, 2022 AGM Minutes
  • Approval of 2022 Financial Statements
  • 2022 Annual Report
  • Appointment of Auditor
  • Presentation on CBPC
  • Other business
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17 Mar

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. 

Photo Credit: Scott Grant, Ronin Photography

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.   

2023 Cruise Schedule
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19 Jul

Cruise Atlantic Canada Waves of Excellence Programs

Aquila Offered Training Programs

In collaboration with the City of Corner Brook, the Port of Corner Brook would like to extend the opportunity for individuals to gain experience and skills through several offered programs.

With the return of cruise around the world, many destinations are investing in service training for their cruise industry frontlines – the experience providers, attraction teams, drivers, tour guides, retail teams, restaurant servers, and everyone who comes in contact with guests. These programs will help further enhance the way that our community interacts with tourists and guests that visit the area.

RSVP by e-mail including date: dbruce@cornerbrookport.com

Offered Courses

Waves of Excellence: Deliver the Wow (In-Person)

 “Waves of Excellence: Deliver the WOW” is a half-day virtual workshop designed to respond to this current situation and provides anyone who connects with guests with the skills and confidence they need to deliver excellent service while following the necessary protocols and procedures implemented by the cruise lines and destinations.

Whether greeters, taxi drivers, vendors and retail operators, tour guides, bus drivers, restaurant servers, attraction personnel, or the community at large, this workshop helps community teams understand the importance of their roles in the success of cruise in their destination.

Waves of Excellence: Deliver the Wow is available on two different dates, and only one option can be selected:

Location: Quality Inn Hotel

Option 1: Tuesday, August 9th: 1:30pm-4:30pm

Option 2: Wednesday, August 10th: 9:00am-12:00pm

Invite can be found at this link, follow information to register.

Driver Excellence (In-Person)

  • Available for people who drive motorcoach, taxi, van, private vehicle, sightseeing boat, or any other type of transportation as a driver has a great impact on the guest satisfaction ratings in the destination.
  • This will help ensure drivers provide excellent service, professional behaviour, ability to manage difficult situations, and more.

Driver Excellence is available on two different dates, and can only one option can be selected:

Location: Quality Inn Hotel

Option 1: Tuesday, August 9th: 10:00am-11:30am

Option 2: Wednesday, August 10th: 1:30pm-3:00pm

Invite can be found at this link, follow information to register.

Service Excellence 101 (Self-guided Online Course)

  • 1-hour course designed for frontline workers who come into contact with guests less often in their roles, but still benefit from an introduction to delivering excellent service to cruise guests.
  • Personnel could include port operations, longshoremen, customs and border agents, security and others who may engage with guests less often.

Tour Guide Excellence I,nternational Certification (Self-guided Online Course)

  • An interactive online program that gives individuals the opportunity to learn exactly what makes an excellent Tour Guide.
  • The course includes 6 lessons on the most important topics for tour guides and ends with an assessment, which includes a written exam and a video component, and guides receive a certificate and pin upon completion.

Cruise 101 (Self-Guided Online Course)

  • This 1-hour course provides an overview of the cruise industry as it relates to ports, destinations and shore excursions, and what successful destinations do to ensure the cruise lines and their guests are having exceptional experiences in the destination
  • Ideal for community and destination stakeholders, Cruise 101 allows people new to the industry to get up to speed quickly and with confidence

The Aquila scheduled training is set to take place from August 9th & 10th.

For further information regarding this opportunity please contact the Port of Corner Brook’s main office at 709-634-6600.

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24 May

The Return of the Cruise to the Port of Corner Brook

The Seven Seas Navigator

News Release

Following a two-year halt to the cruise industry that was felt around the globe, the Port of Corner Brook is excited to once again welcome passengers and crew back into our beautiful city.

The first Ship to make its way into port this season is the Seven Seas Navigator, which will make its first of seven trips into the Bay of Islands on May 24th. This ship can hold up to 490 passengers and 325 crew, and despite being smaller in size, the Navigator represents the official return of the cruise to the city of Corner Brook.

The cruise industry has a profound impact on the city of Corner Brook and surrounding area, significantly increasing the economic activity in the region. There are expected to be 24 calls into the Port of Corner Brook, consisting of 6 inaugural visits by different cruise ships.

The largest ship coming into the port is the Sky Princess, which is making its inaugural visit to Corner Brook. This large vessel can accommodate 3,660 passengers and 1,346 crew, and should be a sight to behold once it enters port, due to its sheer size and intriguing design.

The Sky Princess

The Corner Brook waterfront is renowned for its tremendous scenery, and one of the best ways to enjoy the view is experienced while watching cruise ships come into port, especially ones the size of the Sky Princess.

There is a wide variety of ships coming into the Bay of Islands during this cruise season, featuring vessels arriving from 5 different countries (USA, CAN, GER, ENG, ISL), bringing people from all across the globe into the community.

The majority of the calls for this upcoming season are in the months of September and October, allowing operators within the tourist industry to extend their season, something that was greatly missed over the last two years. The direct impact that the passengers and the crew of the ship make on the local economy is significant, whether by purchasing tours, utilizing local transportation services, or even increasing activity in local shops/restaurants, all were missed greatly due to the cancellations over the past two years due to Covid-19.

The cruise lines themselves also have a huge impact on the operations and economy at the Port of Corner Brook. These ships have to routinely pay for cruise services, supplies and port fees, which results in a huge boost for the city of Corner Brook and the CBPC.

With everyday life creeping back to normalcy after the profound impact of the Covid-19 pandemic it will still be essential to keep passengers, crew and staff safe from the virus. It will be important for us to continue following the guidelines set out by Transport Canada and the Provincial Government to ensure the safety of everybody involved.

The return of cruise lines into the Port of Corner Brook for the 2022 season will create a significant amount of economic activity in the Corner Brook region, new job opportunities, and increasing revenues for several local businesses.

The cruise schedule for the upcoming 2022 season can be found here.

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