FROM THE DEPTHS OF WINTER TO THE PEAK OF FALL: THE PORT OF QUÉBEC CONCLUDES ITS FIRST YAER AS A FOUR-SEASON PORT OF CALL FOR CRUISES
A record year of new arrivals and varied cruise lines confirms Québec City’s appeal as a destination
Québec City, November 17, 2025 – For the first time in its history, the Port of Québec welcomed cruise ships from the depths of winter to the peak of fall, marking an exceptionally long and varied 2025 cruise season. Between January 28 and November 2, the Port saw international cruises calling almost every month, cementing Québec City’s status as a true year-round destination.
A Solid, Varied Season
The 2025 season built on the momentum of previous years, confirming Québec City’s stability and appeal as a cruise destination on the St. Lawrence. From January to November, the Port of Québec welcomed nearly 140,000 cruise passengers on 103 calls made by 35 different ships from 22 different lines. It was also the first or last port of call for 21 cruises, speaking to cruise lines’ continued confidence in the Port and its passenger experience.
This first cruise season to stretch from the depths of winter to the peak of fall reflects the transformation of the Port of Québec. By spreading the season out, we’re showing that our Port can be a major contributor to the development of winter tourism in the Capitale-Nationale. Together, with our partners and teams, we’re shaping a port that lives up to our vision for Québec City: ambitious, with our eyes firmly on the horizon.
A Monumental Winter Debut
The arrival of the Ponant Commandant Charcot was a fitting start for this incredible season. The polar icebreaker arrived in Québec City in January, allowing passengers to see the city in its winter finest – an experience like no other on the St. Lawrence. The line has also confirmed that the Commandant Charcot will be returning to Québec City in 2027, a sign of the strength of the partnership and renewed interest in Québec winters.
New Companies and Maiden Calls
The 2025 season also saw the arrival of Virgin Voyages, which chose Québec City to welcome its newest ship, the Brilliant Lady. The Port also saw several other maiden calls by ships like the Celebrity Silhouette, the Seven Seas Splendor, the Oceania Cruises Allura, and the Princess Cruises Majestic Princess, further testifying to the destination’s growing appeal to major names in the industry.
International Recognition for Québec
Québec continues to stand out on the international stage. For the third consecutive year, the city has been named Best Canada/New England Cruise Destination in the Reader Choice Award by Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine. This distinction, awarded by readers of one of the cruise industry’s most respected publications, reaffirms Québec City’s reputation as an exceptional port of call – celebrated for the beauty of its setting and the warmth of its welcome.
Major Economic Benefits
International cruises are a significant driver of economic growth for the Capitale-Nationale region. In 2024, the industry generated $172M in economic spin-offs. In addition to the direct spin-offs, international cruises support a local supply chain, helping the regional economy thrive.
This first year-round cruise season was made possible by industry players working together to make tourism development more balanced and productive for the region. By spreading calls over the year, we are not only encouraging more stable economic spin-offs for our local businesses but also creating a better experience for visitors and residents alike. This 360° approach, built on collaboration and responsible performance, established Québec City as a premier destination on the St. Lawrence.
A Season Supported by the Next Generation
As part of its desire to better involve academia in the maritime industry, this year the Port of Québec welcomed two groups of transportation and tourism students. Future professionals got a behind-the-scenes look at port operations and a chance to tour docked ships, strengthening the ties between educational institutions and the cruise industry.
Watch the video recap here to see the highlights of the 2025 season.
About the Port of Québec
The Port of Québec is strategically located 1100 km from the Atlantic Ocean, close to the Great Lakes market. It is the last deepwater port in the St. Lawrence corridor, with a depth of 15 metres. This unique position allows Canadian companies to achieve significant economies of scale in both import and export trade.
With links to more than 40 partner countries, the Port of Québec and its employees handle an average of over 26 millions tonnes of goods every year, representing a commercial value of over $15 billion.
The Port is also recognized as the leading cruise port on the St. Lawrence; along with all its partners in Québec’s maritime industry, it contributes to $2 billion in economic spin-offs while supporting some 12,000 jobs nationwide.
The Québec Port Authority (QPA) is ranked 4th out of the 17 Canadian port authorities in terms of revenue. While it is economically powerful, it is also known for its contributions to the area’s urban and social fabric thanks to port spaces like the Agora, the Baie de Beauport, the Cale, the Discoglace, the Oasis, and the Village Nordik.
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Source et information
Frédéric Lagacé
Director, Communications and public relations
418 929-5031 | [email protected]