N.L. cruise ship industry marks longest season on record with more than 100K visitors
CBC
Newfoundland and Labrador's cruise ship industry sailed its way to a banner year in 2025 and one industry executive says bookings already in place show the future is as bright as the ocean blue.
Cruise Newfoundland and Labrador, the group representing the cruise ship industry in the province, says more than 100,000 people visited the province by cruise ship last year.
Managing director Katelyn Budgell said more than 180 cruise ships made calls to port across 24 destinations — including in rural areas outside of the major ports like St. John's, Corner Brook and St. Anthony.
"We definitely had a record breaking season," Budgell told CBC News.
"We had Trinity and Bonavista, who were newly certified by Transport Canada and [the Canada Border Services Agency] to accept cruise[s]. And Trinity actually had three ships this season, while Bonavista had two. So that was super exciting for us."
The season started with a cruise ship arriving in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon — which falls under N.L. jurisdiction in the cruise ship industry — in January. The season then went from March through October, which Budgell said made 2025 the longest cruise ship season in Newfoundland and Labrador's history.
The Port of Corner Brook also had its longest season on record, according to a statement from Dec. 17. It welcomed 24 ship calls and over 30,000 passengers from March to October.
In the statement, Corner Brook Port Corporation CEO Kelly Smith said welcoming a winter cruise ship was a significant milestone that showcases N.L. can be a cruise ship destination all year long.
Budgell said cruise ships can bring significant economic boosts across Newfoundland and Labrador, and more work is being done to expand the cruise industry in rural areas.
Bookings are also continuing to come in for future seasons — some for as far away as the 2028 season.
Budgell said it shows a continued interest for cruise lines that see long-term value and quality experiences in the province.
"People love the people that come from Newfoundland and Labrador. You know, our culture is very unique and our landscapes are very unique, and it's something you don't get to see anywhere else," she said.
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