HALIFAX — Along with showcasing port facilities, new services and more, the annual Cruise Canada New England (CCNE) Symposium may have also opened some eyes about cruise options right here in our own backyard.

CCNE Alliance Co-Chairs Sarah Flink (left) and Nancy Houley continue to advocate to create awareness and growth for the region (event photos courtesy Ming Tappin)

Taking place in Halifax earlier this month, CCNE attracted close to 250 cruise line itinerary designers, shore excursion planners, port logistics operators and tourism officials from the CCNE port cities.

The CCNE Symposium saw insightful panel discussions on bringing business to Canada and New England

Over three days, the delegates discussed ways to bring business into the region and participated in tours throughout Atlantic Canada to sample the destination firsthand.

A RECORD CRUISE SEASON FOR PORT HALIFAX

Port Halifax was proud to host this year’s CCNE Symposium while celebrating its longest cruise season on record, which began on April 4 and will end on Nov. 19. The port will welcome 328,000 passengers in 2025, on 188 cruise ship calls.

Travelweek toured the port facilities, which can accommodate four ships alongside and two at anchor. The port also has four shore power outlets and expects 55 to 60 ships to plug in this season. Opened last year, the new tender dock can accommodate four tender boats simultaneously, a tremendous accomplishment.

Enhancements inside the cruise terminal include new digital displays, information and shore excursion booths, and AI kiosks that can generate customized itineraries for visitors based on their interests.

The Halifax waterfront also boasts a 2.6 km promenade lined with shops, bars, and restaurants, easily walkable from the port.

New AI-powered kiosks in Port Halifax can generate suggested sightseeing itineraries for independent guests

CANADA & NEW ENGLAND: MORE THAN JUST A FALL FOLIAGE CRUISE

Most travellers associate Canada and New England with fall foliage cruises but few know that the region is a four-season destination, providing warm weather cruising in the spring and summer, and even winter expeditions.

“We don’t promote Canada (enough) as a cruise destination, and that’s one of our biggest issues,” said Nancy Houley, co-chair Canada, CCNE Alliance, in a panel discussion during the symposium. “We are a potential Alaska but nobody knows about us. So we need to build that awareness, work on that education.”

To that end, the CCNE Alliance will continue to work strategically with its cruise line partners to make Canada and New England a premier cruise destination. With the majority of cruises being sold by travel advisors, the Alliance is also advocating for cruise lines to educate and incentivize advisors to support the region’s growth.

To learn more about Canada New England, visit the CCNE website, which has comprehensive information about the region, its port cities, itineraries, cruise calendars, and a training module.

The new tender dock at Port Halifax can accommodate four tenders simultaneously (image courtesy Port Halifax)