Halifax: 2013 Cruise Season Underway

Nova Scotia’s 2013 cruise ship season got underway May 6 with the arrival of Holland America’s Veendam and Silversea’s Silver Whisper at the Port of Halifax. 

"We are very excited about the 2013 cruise ship season," said Cathy McGrail, manager of cruise development for the Halifax Port Authority. "We have been working with our tourism partners to ensure our guests enjoy a wonderful experience here in Nova Scotia and that they leave wanting more." 

The port authority is expecting 133 vessels and approximately 240,000 passengers this season, which continues through the end of October. Vessel calls build gradually over the summer months, gaining momentum in September and climaxing in the fall as the fall foliage colors emerge. The busiest day is expected to be October 8, when four ships will be visiting Halifax Seaport with an estimated 8,700 passengers.

"Cruise ships and the visitors they bring to the province are an important part of Nova Scotia’s tourism industry," said Percy Paris, Nova Scotia’s economic and rural development and tourism minister. "Not only do passengers visit our shops and restaurants when in port, they also become ambassadors for Nova Scotia when they go home and tell their friends and families about our wonderful province." 

According to the port authority, the Halifax cruise industry annually pumps direct spending expenditures of C$50 million into the local economy.

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