Cruise passengers show healthy increase in Quebec.
In 2009 the Quebec ports handled 166,000 passengers, up from 124,000 in the previous year. In addition to the increase in transit calls, Quebec City is thriving as a turn around port. In 2008, 10,000 passengers embarked or disembarked, last year that number shot up to 35,000.
Another port on the rise is Saguenay, which had a passenger increase of 15,000 in 2009.
The St.Lawrence region is benefiting from a $156 million investment by federal, provincial and local entities that is funding new port infrastructure, marketing and attractions.
Costa Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises all use Quebec as a base. Next year MSC Cruises joins the roster.