The 2016 cruise season at Port of Halifax will begin on April 30, 2016 with the arrival of the Veendam, a Holland America Line vessel. “This is a wonderful way to start our 2016 cruise season in Halifax,” said Cathy McGrail, Director of Cruise and Corporate Communications for Port of Halifax. “Holland America has been a tremendous partner over the years, and Veendam is one of the vessels calling Halifax that is equipped to take on shore power. Starting off the season in this way is a good representation of the partnerships and innovations that have helped develop a strong cruise offering in Halifax.”
With 135 vessels expected during the 2016 cruise season carrying approximately 240,000 cruise guests plus crew, the port is preparing for another busy year. This year, the passenger capacity onboard a single vessel record in Halifax will be broken twice. Norwegian Lines’ Breakaway is scheduled to call on June 29, 2016; with a passenger capacity of 4500 plus crew, this will be the highest number of cruise guests on a single vessel until the arrival of Anthem of the Seas September 1, 2016, which has passenger capacity of 4,905 plus crew.
2016 highlights will include eight inaugural calls, two visits of Queen Mary 2, three visits by Disney Magic. September 15 is expected to be the busiest passenger day with over 9,000 passengers plus crew expected.
“The cruise sector is important to Nova Scotia’s tourism economy,” said Martha Stevens, Acting CEO, Tourism Nova Scotia. “Cruise passengers spend money on food, shopping, and excursions, and are introduced to some of the unique experiences that make Nova Scotia an attractive vacation destination.”