After a two-year hiatus, several months of uncertainty, and adjustments to docking procedures, cruise ships will once again be able to dock at ports of call on the St. Lawrence River in 2022.
Destination Sept-Îles Nakauinanu is busy preparing for the 2022 season, which will officially open on Sunday, April 24, 2022, with the arrival of the Viking Expedition ship Octantis. This vessel is on its very first cruise, sailing under the Norwegian flag, and after a stopover in Îles de la Madeleine, it will dock in Sept-Îles, where its 378 passengers and 256 crew members will visit the community and residents will be able to come admire the ship.
“It’s a beautiful ship. Construction was completed during the pandemic, and it’s now ready to welcome cruise passengers eager for adventure and exploration. Tourists who sign up for this type of cruise are fully aware of the weather that awaits them and prepared for a snowy visit to Sept-Îles in near-zero temperatures. The ship’s reception has been planned accordingly, and the Port of Sept-Îles will make adjustments to accommodate a vessel so early in the season. We’re sure our warm welcome will make all the difference!” explained Suzanne Cassista, Executive Director of Destination Sept-Îles Nakauinanu.
Viking Octantis will be the first ship to dock at Sept-Îles since the beginning of the pandemic. Destination Sept-Îles Nakauinanu wishes to reassure the public that everything is in place to safely welcome vessels and ensure they meet both federal and provincial health standards.
“All cruise passengers must be fully vaccinated, and Viking Octantis has a lab that allows them to test all passengers every day. All cruise companies calling in Canada must submit a COVID management plan approved by Transport Canada and the Sept-Îles port authorities. Very strict health standards will be imposed on all parties, including Destination Sept-Îles Nakauinanu. And if positive cases are found on a cruise ship, passengers can now be isolated to properly manage an outbreak,” said Cassista.
A total of nine vessels will dock at the cruise terminal in 2022, ranging in size from Viking Octantis, with 378 passengers, to Caribbean Princess, with 4,277 passengers and crew. Queen Mary 2 is also expected on October 3.
Destination Sept-Îles Nakauinanu is seeking information agents and guides for excursions for the first two ships in April and May, as well as for the vessels expected in August, September, and October. Write to us with expressions of interest at dsin@portsi.com. These are paid positions, and guides and agents must be bilingual.
ABOUT DESTINATION SEPT-ÎLES NAKAUINANU
Destination Sept-Îles Nakauinanu (DSIN) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2007 whose mission is to promote Sept-Îles as a tourist destination with international cruise lines. DSIN has welcomed nearly 80,000 international visitors to its port since 2009. Sept-Îles is one of the nine ports of call on the St. Lawrence River. On a larger scale, it is part of an alliance under Cruise Canada New England.