The cruise season at the Port of Montreal ended with the departure of the Seabourn Sojourn bound for Miami. The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) recorded 61,727 passenger days, a slight increase of 2% compared to the 2024 season. Additionally, 14,569 crew members also had the opportunity to explore the city.
Among the highlights of the season were the arrival of three new ships, the Silver Shadow, the Allura, and the Seven Seas Splendor. Starting on April 9th with the call of the Viking Cruises Polaris, the 2025 season featured a total of 42 operations from 21 different ships operated by 13 cruise lines.
In response to the growing demand from the sector, 10 vessels used shore power connection, which resulted in a reduction of 508 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. The Port of Montreal has offered passenger vessels the option of shore power connection at its Grand Quay terminals since 2017. It is the only port on the St. Lawrence River and one of 35 in the world to offer this service.
Another distinctive feature is that the Grand Quay terminals have a direct connection to the dock for the collection and treatment of wastewater, an advantage used by 18 ships on 36 occasions this season.
Also, there were a total of 121,018 guests aboard AML cruises and a season marked by an increase in river dinner cruises, including the high-end Red Carpet and Signature packages.
“The development of cruising in Montreal is part of a comprehensive vision of the St. Lawrence River as an engine of mobility, tourism, and economic benefits for the city. The renewed collaboration with Tourisme Montréal will further consolidate Montreal’s position as a homeport and a must-see destination on the St. Lawrence,” stated Julie Gascon, President and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority.
“As the 2025 season concludes, we highlight the quality of the experiences lived by the passengers and the unique bonds forged between Montreal and visitors from around the world. This season has allowed us to consolidate our offering and strengthen the essential partnerships for the sustainable growth of the sector,” added Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal.
The Authority announced that the 2026 cruise season will begin on April 24th with the arrival of the Victory I from Victory Cruise Lines and will conclude on October 31st with the departure of the Seabourn Ovation from Seabourn Cruises. This ship will visit the terminal for the first time, along with the Scenic Eclipse from Scenic Cruises. Crystal Cruises will also return, with the Crystal Symphony, whose last visit was in 2018.
In total, 17 ships operated by 13 cruise lines are expected to operate during the 2026 season, for a total of 40 operations.
Meanwhile, during the Forum, it was announced that the company Ponant Explorations will add Montreal to its winter cruise itinerary on the St. Lawrence River starting in the winter of 2027, a first for the metropolis.
Le Commandant Charcot, a hybrid-electric polar exploration vessel powered by liquefied natural gas, will arrive from Bergen, Norway. It will perform two round-trip cruises between Montreal on February 13 and 27, 2027, before setting sail for Nuuk, the capital of Greenland.
