Saint John October 27, 2008 – Tomorrow marks the close of another highly successful cruise season, for the Saint John Port Authority. When Celebrity Cruise Lines, Constellation, sails out of the Harbour at 5pm, Saint John will have welcomed approximately 180,000 cruise passengers and over 70,000 crew members to the city, during the 5 month season. This represents an increase of more than 40% from 2007 numbers.

“2008 was a banner year - we are delighted that in spite uncertain economic times people have chosen to visit Saint John and, as usual, the community didn't disappoint them!” said Betty MacMillan, Manager of Business Development for the Saint John Port Authority.  “Kudos to the Meet and Greet Committee for their unwavering support and commitment. It is their continued efforts which have allowed us to achieve such spectacular growth in our cruise business,” she continued.

“This record-setting cruise season will be remembered for years to come,” commented Stephen Campbell, Chairman of the Board for the Saint John Port Authority. “Besides hosting the QM2 and the QE2, we welcomed our millionth cruise passenger in August and we have almost completed our new cruise terminal.”

“The 79 vessel calls contributed over $11.4 million (passenger and crew spending only) to the local economy and 2009 is expected to be very similar in numbers. As the cruise industry increases their commitment to our Port, we are re-investing in our product, as witnessed by our soon to open cruise terminal,” observed Capt. Al Soppitt, President and CEO of the Saint John Port Authority. “Many factors have contributed to the spectacular growth in the cruise industry for Saint John. Not the least of which is the allure of our city and our citizens. I think Dena Cullen put it best when she wrote to us recently with the following message.”

 “We recently visited your lovely city during a cruise.  I was so impressed with the welcome we received.  A band, fresh roses and a greeting from everyone we came in contact with.  I have been to many ports and this was the best one yet.   Your city is lovely and I hope to return there again someday. Thought you'd like to know.”

Dena Cullen

Anderson NL

The Port of Saint John is a commercially viable, self-sufficient business enterprise and a cornerstone of the local economy. It is a critical component of the region’s transportation infrastructure essential to many of New Brunswick’s major industries engaged in international trade and provides deep-water, ice-free access to shipping year round.


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For More Information, contact:

Bill Eaton

Manager, Government Relations and Public Affairs
Saint John Port Authority
506-636-4674
beaton@sjport.com