MONT R É A L A World-Class Cruise Destination With an irresistible mix of European chic, cutting-edge culture and a cool urban vibe, Montréal has long been a preferred vacation spot. These same qualities also help to make the city a world-class cruise destination that cannot be missed before, during or after a cruise on the Saint-Lawrence River.
INVITING In an age when travellers demand as much from their time ashore as they do from their experience on deck, a stop in North America’s most European city can help cruise lines give guests just what they want—the chance to feel the embrace of another culture. Known for the warm welcome it extends to visitors and celebrated for its passion and joie de vivre, Montréal is as vibrant as it is unique. The city’s chorus of influences— including French, English and many others—can be heard in the variety of languages spoken on the street and seen in architectural marvels that include everything from old-world to modern structures, in traditional and avant-garde styles.
LIVELY With an incredible variety of recreational activities, cultural attractions and fine restaurants, there’s something in Montréal for everyone. Visitors can expect great entertainment at the slot machines, gaming tables and restaurants of the Casino de Montréal. A hotbed of creativity and a patron of the arts, the city is known for its exciting, diverse line-up of festivals that runs from May to October, drawing droves of people into the streets to join in communal celebration. With a flair for fashion and a passion for food, the city is a paradise for shoppers and foodies alike.
MODERN Montréal’s extensive métro (subway) and bus system is safe, efficient, clean and accessible to persons with reduced mobility, making the city easy for visitors to venture off on their own. For those who prefer a guided on-shore experience, tour programs catering to a wide range of interests are available in abundance. As a cruise arrival and departure point, passengers can move port-to-airport easily by taking the downtown—airport 747 Express bus, which features 24-hour service, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Easy Access via the Port of Montréal
A world-class cruise destination should be as accessible as it is interesting, and Montréal meets the mark in both areas. The cruise terminal is located just steps from historic Old Montréal, making it easy for visitors to immerse themselves in the city without venturing too far. This vibrant neighbourhood, which includes the Quays of the Old Port among other must-see attractions, will soon be home to a beach, adding to the vast number of activities that have already established it as one of the city’s focal points. For those with an itch to explore, other areas such as downtown and the Plateau Mont-Royal are just a short walk or a quick métro ride away. The Port of Montréal’s on-site customs service makes coming and going easier for both cruise-liners and their guests. A non-tidal port, the Port of Montréal has a dedicated, full-service cruise terminal. Experienced Port-authority staff are always on hand, and the availability of dockside bunkering, garbage removal and oily water pumping are just a few of the features that have helped it to earn industry recognition in recent years. The Port of Montréal was named by the prestigious magazine Dream World Cruise Destinations as the Most Efficient Terminal Operator (2010), the Best Turnaround Destination (2009 and 2010) and received an award for Best Turnaround Port Operations (2008 and 2009).
Montréal-Trudeau International Airport: Accessible and Efficient For those who make Montréal their final cruise destination, Montréal-Trudeau—just 20 minutes from downtown—is both accessible and efficient. Offering 24/7 service, it is a world leader in new check-in technology, which minimizes pre-boarding waiting times and expedites baggage processing. The airport’s modern facilities feature a broad choice of shops and restaurants, and its efficient design requires passengers to walk only a short distance within the terminal, making the overall travel experience as easy as possible. A truly international hub, Montréal-Trudeau is served by more than 30 airlines travelling to some 130 destinations in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, the Caribbean and North America. In order to accommodate projected growth, intensive expansion plans are already underway. These include the extension of the international and domestic check-in area and the addition of six new international gates by 2015.
CONTACT US Montreal Port Authority Tony Boemi Vice-President, Growth and Development boemit@port-montreal.com Tel.: +1-514-283-6620 | Fax: +1-514-283-1858 www.port-montreal.com
Montreal Cruise Committee Nathalie Gaudet Project Manager nathalie@strategiestouristiques.com Tel.: +1-514-374-6103 | Fax: +1-514-543-4509 www.tourisme-montreal.org