Category Archives: Cruise

A Triple Ship Day

A Triple Ship Day in Saint John: Welcoming Liberty of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, and Zuiderdam

There are cruise ship days in Saint John that feel special, and then there are days that feel unforgettable. When three magnificent vessels arrive together in port, the energy across the waterfront is impossible to miss. Today was one of those memorable triple ship days, as Liberty of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, and Zuiderdam all sailed into Saint John, bringing thousands of guests eager to experience the magic of the Bay of Fundy.

Three Ships, Three Experiences

Each of the visiting ships brought its own unique character to our city:

  • Liberty of the Seas (Royal Caribbean International) – One of the largest ships to ever visit our port, Liberty of the Seas is famous for its family-friendly adventures. With onboard surf simulators, ice skating, and dazzling entertainment, it represents the bold, high-energy side of cruising.

  • Brilliance of the Seas (Royal Caribbean International) – Sleek and stylish, Brilliance is a Radiance-class ship that blends comfort with wide-open ocean views. She may be smaller than her sister Liberty, but her intimate atmosphere makes her a favorite for travelers who want both elegance and exploration.

  • Zuiderdam (Holland America Line) – A ship known for her classic charm, Zuiderdam combines traditional cruising with modern amenities. Guests sailing on Holland America often come seeking culture, enrichment, and refined experiences – and Saint John delivers with its rich history and natural wonders.

The Buzz on the Waterfront

With three ships docked, the waterfront becames a hub of excitement. Thousands of visitors poured into Uptown Saint John, exploring the City Market, taking in the historic architecture, and sampling local seafood. Shore excursions carried guests farther afield to see the Reversing Falls, the Fundy Trail Parkway, and charming seaside communities.

For locals, triple ship days are about more than just numbers. They showcase Saint John as a truly global destination. From shopkeepers greeting guests to tour guides sharing our stories, the city comes alive in a way that reflects the warmth and hospitality the Maritimes are known for.

Eunice Flores Photography
Uptown Saint John (By Eunice Flores Photography)

A Win for the Community

Cruise ship visits have a significant impact on the local economy, and when three vessels arrive together, that impact multiplies. Restaurants fill with travelers eager to try lobster rolls and chowder, boutiques see new faces, and cultural attractions welcome audiences from around the world.

These visits also give Saint John a chance to shine on a global stage. For many travelers, today may have been their first taste of Atlantic Canada — and a first impression they’ll carry home and share with others.

Looking Ahead

As the cruise season continues, more exciting days are on the horizon. But today’s triple ship day will stand out as a highlight of the year — a reminder of how fortunate Saint John is to welcome the world to our doorstep.

Whether it’s the adventure of Liberty of the Seas, the elegance of Brilliance of the Seas, or the timeless appeal of Zuiderdam, one thing is certain: Saint John knows how to make every guest feel at home.

Triple Cruise Ship Day in Saint John!

Triple Cruise Ship Day in Saint John!

The Port City is buzzing with excitement today as we welcome three beautiful ships to our waterfront:

  • 🛳 Insignia

  • 🛳 Majestic Princess

  • 🛳 Enchanted Princess

With thousands of visitors exploring Uptown, enjoying our markets, restaurants, and iconic Bay of Fundy views, it’s a fantastic day to showcase the warmth and charm of Saint John. 🌊💙

Whether you’re spotting the ships from Harbour Passage, strolling through Market Square, or enjoying the local shops, today is a reminder of how special cruise season is for our community.

Welcome to all our guests—enjoy your time in Saint John! 🙌


 

An Overview 2025 Cruise Ship Season

2025 Cruise Ship Season in Saint John, NB: An Overview

Cruise Volume & Visitor Numbers

Comparison to Previous Seasons

  • 2024: 74 ship calls with 163,251 passengers and 68,865 crew; featured 11 overnight calls, 10 inaugural calls, 15 double-ship days, and 6 triple-ship days. Cruise Industry News | Cruise NewsTravel And Tour World

  • 2023: Also saw 74 ship calls, with 172,193 passengers and 71,824 crew; included record visits like Oasis of the Seas carrying nearly 6,000 passengers, plus multiple inaugural, double, triple ship, and overnight visits. CruiseMapperPort Saint John

Why the Season Is Getting Busier

  • A significant portion of 2025’s calls—59 out of the 78 vessels—are scheduled from September through early November, when fall foliage draws in many travelers. Reddit+1

  • Locals note that the cruise season picks up later in the year, aligning with marketing efforts around Canada-New England fall tours, perfect for Southern visitors seeking cooler weather and vibrant foliage. Reddit+1


Quick Snapshot

Season Ship Calls Passengers Key Highlights
2023 74 172,193 Oasis of the Seas record day, many inaugural & multi-ship days
2024 74 163,251 Overnight calls, container village enhancements, double/triple days
2025 (expected) 78 ~180,000 Continued growth, foliage season focus, surpassing historic total

Cruise Season Timing

 Cruise Season Timing

  • Season Duration: Traditionally runs from late‑April / early‑May through early‑November.

    • 2025 kicks off on April 28 with Viking Neptune, wrapping up November 6 .

    • 2024 saw activity from May 8 to November 24 .


Passenger & Ship Volume

  • 2025 projections: ~80 vessel visits carrying nearly 200,000 guests.

  • 2024 delivered: 75 calls with over 170,000 passengers, including 11 overnight ship stays .

  • 2023 likewise saw ~69–74 ships bringing ~172,000 passengers cruisehive.com.


Peak Times & Season Highlights

  • September–October dominate the schedule (~60+ visits), driven by peak fall foliage demand .

  • Cruise itineraries are often tailored to North American travelers seeking escapes from summer heat or hurricane-prone routes .


Local Infrastructure & Experience

  • Terminals: Marco Polo and Diamond Jubilee are equipped to host large vessels (Oasis-class capable) cruiseatlanticcanada.com.

  • AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village: Open May–November, offering dining, shopping, and events right beside the terminal reddit.com+4en.wikipedia.org+4cruiseatlanticcanada.com+4.

  • Shore excursions: Popular options include day trips to St. Andrews (~1 hour away) for whale-watching or sightseeing reddit.com+3reddit.com+3reddit.com+3.


Voices from the City

From locals on Reddit:

“The Canada New England itinerary is marketed heavily around fall colours… that’s why it’s got a late start” reddit.comstjohns.ca+2reddit.com+2cruisehive.com+2
“Add to the other reasons… cruise lines want more reliable alternatives for east‑coast cruises.” reddit.com


 Quick Snapshot

Phase Dates Highlights
Start ~April 28–May 8 First ship arrives (e.g. Viking Neptune, MSC Meraviglia)
Summer June–August Smaller number of calls
Peak Sept–Oct Heavy schedule (~60+ days), best foliage tours
End Late Oct–early Nov (Nov 2–6) Final ships of the season

🚢 Final Cruise Ship of the Season 🚢

🚢 Bon Voyage to the Final Cruise Ship of the Season in Saint John! 🚢

Oceania Insignia Itinerary, Current Position, Ship Review ...

Today, Saint John bids a fond farewell to the 2024 cruise season as the Insignia of Oceania Cruises docks at our beautiful port. Arriving at 10 a.m. and setting sail again at 7 p.m., this final ship visit marks the end of another incredible season of welcoming travelers from around the world!

The Insignia’s guests will have all day to explore the unique sights and flavors that Saint John has to offer—from the breathtaking Bay of Fundy to the charm of our local shops and markets. Let’s show them the warm hospitality that makes Saint John such a special stop on the cruise circuit!

Here’s to a memorable day for all our visitors and a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who made this cruise season such a success. Until next year, happy travels, and see you in 2025! 🌊🛳️