Officials are touting what they are calling an “exceptional” cruise season for the ports of Halifax and Sydney, and are hoping to build on it for years to come.
According to a press release, this year’s season was the longest yet, running from April 4 to Nov. 19. The cruise industry brings significant contributions to the province’s tourism industry, helping support local businesses, attractions and restaurants.
“Building on our success, we want to strengthen Halifax’s position as a premier cruise destination and continue creating memorable guest experiences for all our visitors,” Robyn Stewart, Manager Cruise Development at the Halifax Port Authority, said in the press release.
A 2023 study indicated that the sector generates nearly $200 million annually and supports around 1,000 jobs in Nova Scotia.
Some of the highlights from the season include hosting the Cruise Canada New England Conference, bringing more than 200 executives and industry professionals to Halifax. For the first time, Virgin Voyages docked the Brilliant Lady in the Port of Halifax, which included a visit from the founder, Sir Richard Branson.
Halifax 2025 season by the numbers
- 24 cruise lines
- 184 calls, including:
- 6 inaugural visits
- 7 overnight stays
- 10 tendering operations
- 357,000 passengers exploring Nova Scotia and 151,000+ crew members
- 46 shore power connections
Port of Sydney saw similar highs, with nearly 200,000 passengers, plus crew, docking.
“The 2025 season showcased the strength, adaptability, and excitement of the cruise industry,” said Nicole MacAulay, Manager of Cruise at the Port of Sydney. “We’re incredibly grateful for the continued community support in making this another outstanding year for the Port of Sydney.”
Tourism grows in Halifax post-pandemic
According to the latest report from Discover Halifax, the provincial capital is seeing an increase for tourism.
The numbers in the 2024 Annual Report are supported by what other organizations have already predicted. A Destination Canada report released late in 2023 predicted Halifax’s tourism industry would make a full recovery in 2024.
The Downtown Halifax Business Commission concluded there were about 10.22 million unique visitors in the area from mid-June to Dec. 29, 2024. In 2019, that number was 10.26 million for the same period.
Visitors weren’t just coming, they were staying. Room nights sold in traditional hotels increased 2.6 per cent, with a 5 per cent increase in supply. Cruise passenger count also increased 19.8 per cent.
