• 08 April 2019

Sept-Iles takes home a Cruise Insight Award

For the first time in its history, Sept-Iles port of call has taken home a prestigious Cruise Insight Award to highlight the excellence of its partnership with stakeholders in its community, particularly with the Innu community. These awards are presented annually to destinations that stands out, given by notorious Cruise Insight Magazine during Seatrade Cruise Global Miami, world’s largest cruise industry convention.

Sept-Iles was highlighted along with six world-renowned destinations: Lithuania, Jamaica, Japan, Malta, Iceland and Russia. The winners of Cruise Insight Awards are determined by judging by cruise industry professionals, including Holland America Group Vice President Shore Operation Mr. Bruce Krumrine, who was asked to determine the title-holders.

The Quebec’s North Shore port of call stood out for the unique, sustainable and innovative partnership established between its three major partners: Town of Sept-Iles, Port of Sept-Iles and Innu Takuaikan Uashat mak Mani-Utenam council, including also Tourisme Côte-Nord Duplessis, Tourisme Sept-Iles and Société de développement économique de Uashat mak Mani-Utenam (SDEUM).

This award pays tribute to the constant efforts made by Destination Sept-Iles Nakauinanu and the entire community to elevate the destination to the highest international standards of quality, and consolidates the identity of the port of call as an authentic grand gathering destination on the St. Lawrence Seaway.

An exceptional opportunity for growth

This recognition represents an exceptional international spotlight for the destination. Over the last four years, Sept-Iles port of call doubled its numbers, and expects by 2021 a growth of 150% in terms of passenger volume.

The port keeps diversifying its portfolio in 2019, with maiden calls from Seabourn and Compagnie du Ponant/Zegrahm Expeditions. They join regular visitors like Cunard, P&O Cruises, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania Cruises, Saga Cruises and Phoenix Reisen.

These projections boost the port of call’s investments, notably with the upcoming construction of a brand-new cruise terminal inspired by the native heritage of the city. The bonification of transportation, the creation of a local products catalogue for cruise lines and enhancing the independent guests experience are also amongst the next priorities for the port of call.

More details about the Cruise Insight Awards on pages 95-99 of Cruise Insight Magazine 2019 Spring Issue