A record-breaking number of international cruise ships visited Sept-Îles in 2012. Destination Sept-Îles Nakauinanu (DSIN) and its three original partners in developing the area as an international cruise port of call – Port of Sept-Îles, Ville de Sept-Îles, and the Innu Takuaikan Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam (ITUM) Council – are pleased to report that five international cruise ships docked at the city’s cruise terminal in 2012.
Last year also represented a record-breaking year for Destination St. Lawrence’s nine ports of call, including Saguenay. This performance earned Cruise the St. Lawrence (CSL) official recognition as a finalist for international cruise destination of the year. The distinction was awarded by a panel of 16 independent judges in Marseille on November 27,2012, as part of a competition organized by the international cruise magazine Seatrade. The St. Lawrence destination was one of three finalists, along with first place winner Scotland and the Black Sea region. The judges reviewed over 80 nominations in five categories.
In 2012, more than 230,000 international cruise passengers visited St. Lawrence ports of call, a 50-per-cent increase over the previous year, with direct economic spinoffs estimated at over $100 million.
Visits confirmed for 2013 and 2014
Three ships have already confirmed stopovers in Sept-Îles in 2013. The Maasdam, a regular visitor from Holland America Line, will kick off the season on May 14, followed by the Astor on August 15, and return visitor Crystal Symphony on September 28. This year marks the first time a ship will visit during the summer season, thanks to efforts made by CSL and Destination Sept-Îles Nakauinanu.
Sept-Îles is also looking forward to 2014, with eight visits already confirmed, including stops by newcomers Crystal Serenity in October (three visits) and Silver Whisper (two visits). The Maasdam will pay a call in May and October, and the Astor will return for a second summer stopover on July 11. "This activity clearly shows that the Port’s solicitation and development work is paying off and bodes well for continued growth," said Executive Director Mario Sevigny. He also noted that cruise lines have yet to finish planning their itineraries and that more stops will very likely be added in the coming months.