Cruise the Saint Lawrence Applauds President Marie-Andrée Blanchet’s Recognition in Seatrade Cruise’s 20 Under 40
Rimouski, April 16 2024 – Cruise the Saint Lawrence proudly announces that its President, Marie-Andrée Blanchet, has been named to the prestigious Seatrade Cruise 20 Under 40 list for 2025. This international accolade honors emerging leaders who are shaping the future of the cruise industry through innovation, collaboration, and visionary leadership.
In addition to her role as President of Cruise the Saint Lawrence, Marie-Andrée serves as the Director of Cruise and Ecosystem Development at the Québec Port Authority, where she has been instrumental in positioning the region as a benchmark for sustainable cruise tourism worldwide.
Marie-Andrée’s selection reflects her tireless efforts to strengthen the connection between cruise development and community well-being. Under her leadership, the Port of Québec has implemented its first sustainable cruise tourism plan, secured significant funding for shore power infrastructure, and launched initiatives that prioritize environmental stewardship and local partnerships. Her collaborative approach has resonated across the Saint Lawrence region, aligning diverse stakeholders toward a common, future-focused vision.
“Watching Marie-Andrée grow from a passionate intern into one of the industry's brightest leaders has been one of the greatest joys of my career,” said Nancy Houley, Director of Business Development at Cruise the Saint Lawrence. “Her vision, integrity, and unwavering dedication to community-centered, sustainable cruise tourism make her truly deserving of this recognition. The future of our industry is brighter because of leaders like her.”
As President of Cruise the Saint Lawrence, Marie-Andrée has worked to elevate the profile of the entire Saint Lawrence region on the global cruise stage, fostering collaboration among nine member ports and advocating for innovations that support long-term growth and sustainability.
Her inclusion in Seatrade Cruise’s 20 Under 40 further cements her role as a catalyst for meaningful change in the cruise industry, both in Canada and beyond.
About Cruise the Saint Lawrence
Cruise the Saint Lawrence is a sectoral organization which groups together the nine ports of call located along the shores of the Saint Lawrence River : Montréal, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Saguenay, Baie-Comeau, Sept-Îles, Havre-Saint-Pierre, Gaspé and Îles-de-la-Madeleine. The mission of the organization is to grow cruise market activities in Québec and across Destination Canada New England through the provision of marketing and development services to members. Cruise the Saint Lawrence enjoys the support of partners Tourism Québec, Québec Tourism Industry Alliance and Innovation, and Canada Economic Development for Québec Regions.