October 27, 2016, Halifax, Nova Scotia – The final vessel of the 2016 Halifax cruise season, the Royal Caribbean International Serenade of the Seas, is scheduled to arrive Friday, October 28, 2016 at 8:00 a.m.

Highlights of the 2016 cruise season in Halifax include inaugural visits from some of the industry’s largest cruise vessels such as the Norwegian Breakaway on June 29 and the Royal Caribbean International Anthem of the Seas on September 1, the return of Disney Magic, and four calls from the Cunard Line flagship Queen Mary 2.

Halifax Seaport tenants are reporting strong interest and steady foot traffic as a result of cruise guests. The East Coast Lifestyle flagship store has been operating out the Halifax Seaport Immigration Annex for two cruise seasons. “We have seen tremendous year-over-year growth at this location,” said Alex MacLean, founder and CEO, East Coast Lifestyle. “The cruise guests are a big part of that. They come in looking for an authentic East Coast product they can take back with them, and we are more than happy to provide them with what they are looking for. It has been a great season for us.”

Cruise passenger interest in nearby landmarks like Peggys Cove and unique destinations like Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, have kept tour operator Ambassatours Gray Line busy since the first vessel arrived in April. “We are very fortunate here in Nova Scotia to live in a place where people come to spend their vacations,” said Ambassatours Gray Line CEO Dennis Campbell. “It is our privilege to provide our cruise guests with a service that helps make their time in our region even more memorable while supporting the local tourism economy.”

The Halifax Port Authority would like to acknowledge and thank all the various partner organizations, tour operators, retailers and tourism providers who go above and beyond each year to provide cruise guests with an unforgettable, authentic experience that keeps them coming back for more.

Final passenger numbers for the 2016 season are still being tallied and will be released in the coming weeks. The cruise industry in Halifax is worth an estimated $104.3 million each year in economic benefit according to the most recent economic impact report.

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Lane Farguson
Communications Advisor
Halifax Port Authority
(902) 426-7375
[email protected]
www.portofhalifax.ca