Port Saint John is celebrating 35 years of welcoming cruise ships this season announcing a busy 2023 cruise schedule.
“We are thrilled to be releasing the 2023 cruise schedule today so that our community can prepare for the exciting season ahead. This year’s cruise schedule boasts 14 double ship days, as well as six triple ship days, eight inaugural vessel calls, and eight overnight calls,” said Natalie Allaby, cruise development manager, Port Saint John.
“We are also excited for passengers and crew to experience year two of the Area 506 Waterfront Container Village. The container village transformed the port city welcome experience for visitors and residents alike last season; some past vendors experienced such success that they have set up permanent locations uptown.”
Port Saint John is expecting a very busy 2023 cruise season with a total of 86 ships carrying almost 200,000 passengers throughout the six-month season, spanning from May 7 to November 7, 2023, according to a statement.
The 2023 schedule also includes a call from Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas returning to Port Saint John for the second year in a row on May 30.
The cruise business brings over $68 million annually to Saint John and southern New Brunswick economies, the port said.
“We are privileged to share our historic uptown, made up of unique boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and special landmarks,” said Nancy Tissington, executive director of uptown Saint John.
“As representatives of uptown Saint John, the Business Improvement Association is ready and proud to roll out the red carpet and show off to the cruise world each and every year.”
Port Saint John said it looks forward to welcoming cruise visitors from around the world throughout the 2023 season.
“The growth of the cruise ship industry in Saint John is a testament of what we offer as a region,” said Paulette Hicks, CEO, of Envision Saint John. “The ability of our local businesses to seize the opportunities cruise visits bring speaks to the strength of the entrepreneurship in our community.”
