Halifax, Nova Scotia – The 2018 cruise season in Halifax will get underway on April 22, 2018 with the arrival of Fram, a Hurtigruten vessel. “It is a very exciting time for cruise in Halifax,” said Cathy McGrail, Associate Vice President of Cruise, Operations and Corporate Affairs, Halifax Port Authority. “Thanks to strong partnerships with the cruise lines, tour providers in Nova Scotia and tourism industry groups, we are looking at another very strong season.”

From April 22 to November 6, the Port of Halifax is expecting 200 vessel calls carrying approximately 300,000 cruise guests. For local tourism providers, planning for the upcoming season is well underway.

“The cruise industry is such an important engine for tourism visitation in Nova Scotia,” said Jennifer Angel, Acting President and CEO, Waterfront Development. “Together with our partners at the Halifax Port Authority, and the many businesses and community partners who create outstanding experiences for visitors, we are proud to welcome guests from around the world to our waterfronts.”

2018 Halifax Cruise highlights include:

• 10 scheduled inaugural calls in 2018, starting with the arrival of Norwegian Bliss, a Norwegian Cruise Line vessel, on April 30, 2018
  
• Three visits from Disney Magic on September 17, September 22 and October 2, 2018
  
• One visit from Queen Mary 2 on October 5, 2018
  
• October 9, 2018 is expected to be the busiest passenger day with over 11,000 cruise guests on five vessels