Published May 01, 2025 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 3 minute readCruise ship passengers walk through the Town of Yarmouth downtown during a cruise ship visit last year to the Port of Yarmouth. This year in October, the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association (YASTA) will be welcoming three cruise ships from Ponant, a world-renowned French cruise line. Tourism Nova Scotia | YASTA | Photographer: UnBound Media, Ryan WilliamsThree cruise ships from Ponant – a world-renowned French cruise line celebrated for its luxury small-ship expeditions – are scheduled to make inaugural port of call visits to Yarmouth in October.Le Lyrial and Le Boreal will be stopping in Yarmouth as part of the 14-day Montreal-to-New York cruise: From Québec to the Big Apple: nature & remarkable cities.Le Champlain will be stopping in Yarmouth as part of the 11-day Boston-to-Boston cruise: A Musical Cruise in Nova Scotia and the East Coast of the United States.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentA cruise description reads, in part: The luxury ships “will sail along the coastline of Nova Scotia whose towns and villages are full of history and undeniable character. Fall in love with Halifax, a cultural crossroads and provincial capital surrounded by sumptuous nature. The rocky coast of western Nova Scotia will emerge slowly before you. During an all-new port of call in Yarmouth, immerse yourself in Acadian culture and discover their traditions and ancestral customs through encounters with the population.”The Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association (YASTA) in partnership with local tour operators, will greet Ponant’s guests with French-speaking guides, showcasing the local seafaring heritage, culinary traditions, and vibrant communities that define the region.“Attracting world-class cruise lines like Ponant and others is a direct result of YASTA’s targeted business development initiatives and partnerships with organizations like the Atlantic Canada Cruise Association (ACCA) and the Cruise Canada New England Alliance (CCNE),” says YASTA CEO Neil Mackenzie. “We are focused on positioning Yarmouth & Acadian Shores as a must-visit destination for small to mid-sized luxury vessels.”Article content Cruise ship passengers disembark from a bus during a cruise ship visit last year to the Port of Yarmouth. This year in October, the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association (YASTA) will be welcoming three cruise ships from Ponant, a world-renowned French cruise line. Tourism Nova Scotia | YASTA | Photographer: UnBound Media, Ryan WilliamsThe cruise ship visits complement the continued three-year growth in ferry passenger traffic between Nova Scotia and Maine.“This marine tourism surge helps diversify tourism markets, extend the visitor season, and build future demand for the region,” says YASTA.In 2023 and 2024, Yarmouth & Acadian Shores hosted two ship calls by the Silver Endeavour from the Silverseas cruise line in the port of Yarmouth.“We had two ship cancellations in 2024 from other cruise lines,” says Mackenzie, noting more visits had initially been planned.In 2023, YASTA hosted five bus tours from ships that made port of call visits to Shelburne, from the cruise lines Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises. The tours included Yarmouth County and local attractions and experiences, such as Cape Forchu and the Yarmouth County Museum.“We are currently expecting eight cruise calls to the Port of Yarmouth over the next three years,” Mackenzie says. “We are working to grow that number as well. We view this as a series of small steps, yet tremendous growth in a new market for us.”Article contentYASTA already has three scheduled visits from cruise ships in 2026, and two in 2027.“The Port of Yarmouth is an emerging hub for marine tourism. We currently host the high-speed CAT ferry, which connects Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, with Bar Harbour, Maine, and are, of course, welcoming luxury expedition-class cruise ships,” Mackenzie says.“Additionally, we accommodate visiting superyachts at our marina,” he adds. “Growth opportunities include whale-watching tours, deep-sea fishing charters, coastal kayaking, sailing experiences, and maritime heritage tours, all of which leverage Yarmouth’s rich seafaring history and ocean access.”YASTA will be participating in June at the Cruise Canada New England Symposium in Halifax. Mackenzie says it will be “another key opportunity to meet with cruise executives, promote our region’s unique marine and cultural assets, and deliver a comprehensive familiarization tour showcasing our marine facilities, shore excursions, and authentic cultural experiences.”Says Mackenzie, “Marine tourism is a critical piece of our strategy to grow and diversify visitation across our beautiful region.”Adds YASTA board chair Phil Mooney, “Cruise tourism is more than just economic development — it’s a celebration of who we are. Welcoming Ponant and other prestigious lines allows us to share our local culture with the world and foster pride among our communities. We’re excited about the future and ready to grow our marine tourism sector thoughtfully and sustainably.”Article content
Yarmouth port of call for French cruise line visits this fall
