Nova Scotia’s charm took center stage at this year’s Cruise Canada New England Symposium (CCNE), held June 9–11, 2025, in Halifax. It was only the second time Halifax has hosted the international event, which draws cruise line executives from around the world—making it a prime opportunity to spotlight the province’s smaller cruise ports. 

The Canada Cruise New England Symposium is designed to foster collaboration among ports, cruise lines, and tourism stakeholders to enhance cruise industry growth in the region. It aims to showcase regional destinations, share best practices, and develop strategies for sustainable and profitable cruise tourism.

Making a Splash Before the Symposium
Ahead of the main event, the Atlantic Canada Cruise Association (ACCA) and Tourism Nova Scotia collaborated to organize familiarization (FAM) tours for visiting cruise executives. These tours gave them a firsthand taste of the region's rich experiences—from exploring George’s Island to wine tasting in Wolfville at Lightfoot & Wolfville and Benjamin Bridge wineries. The day wrapped up with a beach party in Hubbards, setting a relaxed and welcoming tone for the days ahead. 

Official Welcome from Minister Ritcey
At the Opening Night Dinner at the Discovery Centre, (co-sponsored by Tourism Nova Scotia) the Honourable Dave Ritcey, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, delivered welcoming remarks. He also addressed attendees at the networking breakfast held the following morning at The Westin.

Spotlight on Niche Ports in Lunenburg
Once the official CCNE program concluded, the focus shifted to Lunenburg, where over 30 cruise executives took part in a Niche Port Showcase Event at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. Organized by the Niche Port Committee and hosted by Neil MacKenzie, CEO of the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association (YASTA), this event was designed to highlight Nova Scotia’s smaller cruise ports—without the noise and competition of the main symposium.

With cruise ship visits starting earlier in the cruise season and continuing until early November, Nova Scotia is already seeing the benefits of season extension in the two largest ports, Halifax and Sydney. Beyond our largest ports, Nova Scotia has a significant opportunity to increase cruise revenues through our niche ports, bringing cruise passengers to communities throughout the province and attracting expedition cruises that also tend to spend more time in port. This niche ports event marks the first time Atlantic Canada's niche ports were given a dedicated platform to promote their communities. 

Representatives from Parks Canada, Sable Island National Park Reserve, Pictou County Cruise Committee, Port of Sydney (representing the niche ports of Cape Breton) and Yarmouth and Acadian Shore Tourism Association hosted marketplace booths, offering cruise planners a deeper look into the unique experiences these ports provide for smaller vessels, including adventure and expedition cruises.

Atlantic Canada Cruise Association Executive Director, Sarah Rumley's summary of the June 11, 2025 Lunenburg event is linked below.

Sarah writes, "Initial survey results indicate that the Lunenburg experience was one of the top-rated activities of the 2025 CCNE Symposium. It offered a meaningful opportunity for connection and discovery and marked the first time Atlantic Canada’s niche ports were given a dedicated platform to showcase what makes their communities so distinctive." 

Read more in: 

Atlantic Canada Niche Port Showcase: A Lovely Afternoon in Lunenburg
 

"The Atlantic Canada Niche Port Showcase in Lunenburg was a great way to highlight the unique experiences and cultural offerings at many of our small ports in Atlantic Canada. I loved the opportunity to meet delegates and give them a little bit of the port experience they might have in Yarmouth & Acadian Shores (even if they couldn't be there in person). It was great to see our ports working together on this. The ACCA and all the partners, including Tourism Nova Scotia, are very collaborative."  — Neil MacKenzie, CEO Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association

Tourism Nova Scotia has also developed a brochure to further promote our niche ports and advise the broader tourism industry sector about the opportunities available. 

Tourism Nova Scotia Cruise Brochure

Travel Trade - Cruise to Nova Scotia

From wine country to waterfronts, Nova Scotia successfully delivered an unforgettable impression—ensuring cruise executives left with a clear picture of why its niche ports are must-visit destinations