The Right Attractions on our Doorstep
The tourism potential of the Port of St. John’s and its surroundings cannot be overstated. This is where North America begins and ends. It is a place of staggering natural beauty and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Over one million visitors come to this legendary city every year; out-of-province visitors alone spend an estimated $130 million during their stay. The port is an indispensable partner in this growing industry and the centrepiece of the St. John’s downtown tourism experience.
The cruise ship market, in particular, is essential. It is the single fastest growing sector in the City’s tourism industry. In 2004, 16 ships carrying 7,953 passengers made the spectacular journey through The Narrows, generating an estimated $1.5 million in revenues for City businesses. The Port of St. John’s continues to make a significant investment in cruise activity through infrastructural improvements, marketing partnerships and logistical support.
Continued development is a priority. At present, the Port is involved in an enhanced cruise marketing strategy aimed at the potentially lucrative European market. While we will continue to confidently draw the Canada-New England and Transatlantic markets, our location – literally situated between the Old World and the New – is undeniable, and the European cruise market is a natural fit.
A Warm Welcome
The St. John's Port Authority looks forward to the arrival of every cruise ship through "The Narrows", entrance to the Port of St. John's.
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A dockside Welcoming Committee, organized by the St. John's Cruise Committee, is on hand to welcome cruise passengers from ships of all sizes. Local entertainers perform at dockside immediately when a ship is secured to the wharf.
The Cruise Committee can arrange to have a member of both the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and the St. John's Fire Department Honour Guards greet you as you disembark; as well as one of the famous Newfoundland Dogs and a Labrador Retriever to be at dockside when you arrive. Entertainers may also board the cruise ship to perform, prior to departure from our historic port.
Staff from the City of St. John's ensure that an Information Kiosk is available to distribute information and to answer any questions from passengers and crew.
Local tour operators can provide onshore excursions, which may include a tour of the City and surrounding area to visit historic sites. Depending on the time of year, whale watching and iceberg tours out of St. John's Harbour or a bird island adventure tour are also available.
We are very proud of the fact that, in 1997, St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador, was chosen a runner up in the "Most Receptive Destination" category by Dream World Cruise Destinations.
The Port of St. John's is ideally situated to accommodate cruise ship arrivals. It is the closest port of call to continental Europe and is strategically located near the main shipping routes of the North Atlantic.
St. John's has the fine reputation of being a "safe haven". The Port is conveniently located within walking distance of the downtown core and passengers are encouraged to explore the many unique craft shops nearby. The friendliness of the local people is truly a worthwhile experience – a testament to the fact that the vast majority of cruise ship passengers who visited St. John's have recommended the historic port city as a cruise ship destination. |
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