The MSC Meraviglia arrived and anchored at the Diamond Jubilee Cruise Terminal in Port Saint John. (CTV/Avery MacRae)
When many individuals plan a winter cruise, the thought of ending up in Canada rarely crosses their minds, given the country's reputation for severe cold winters. However, this unexpected scenario became a reality for nearly 2,900 passengers aboard the MSC Meraviglia on the first day of the season.
Their planned voyage to the Bahamas took an unforeseen turn northward due to weather conditions. Passengers were informed about this itinerary change just a day before departure, presenting them with the option of a cruise credit for an alternative journey. Despite the last-minute nature of the change, a significant number chose to repack their bags and embark on the revised journey.
The altered cruise route concluded in Saint John, New Brunswick, marking the latest arrival of a cruise ship in Atlantic Canada during the year. Natalie Allaby, the Cruise Excellence Director at Port Saint John, shared insights into the sudden shift, stating, "We were all packed up and winterized as the season ended on November the seventh." She explained that MSC decided to divert the ship north from New York City, prompting their team to swiftly prepare for an unexpected visit. The crew worked diligently to create a festive atmosphere, adorning the ship with Christmas decorations and providing passengers with warm comforts like hot chocolate.
The MSC Meraviglia docked in Saint John at 9 a.m. on a Thursday morning, departing at 7 p.m. During its arrival, carolers from Saint John High School serenaded the ship, adding a touch of warmth to the winter day. However, passengers, accustomed to the tropical climate of the Bahamas, were greeted by a different experience as the temperature in Saint John felt like -13 degrees Celsius on Thursday.
Reactions among passengers varied, with some expressing disappointment at the change in plans, while others saw it as an opportunity to explore new territory. Chris O’Connor, a passenger, mentioned, “A little bit… But I probably wouldn’t have visited here before, so why not, let’s give it a go.” Another passenger, Mike Connor, expressed disappointment, saying, “I was disappointed because I wanted to get down to warm weather. But you can’t control it.” Meanwhile, some passengers embraced the unexpected journey, viewing it as a chance to explore Canada.
When asked about their expectations in Saint John, passengers expressed interest in exploring local attractions like the reversing falls, breweries, the marketplace, and simply walking around to experience the city. However, Port Saint John's Natalie Allaby clarified that such deviations from the usual cruise itineraries are rare. She stated, “This decision for them to come north, to change the whole itinerary and come to Canada this time of year is certainly a first.
It could happen again, but I wouldn’t bank on it.” Thus, this unusual winter cruise to Canada appears to be a one-time occurrence, with cruise ships typically aiming for more predictable destinations.
