This text is part of the special Pleasures notebook
News from the world of tourism, here and elsewhere.
On the waves, Quebecers and millennials!
Popular, cruises? That’s an understatement… Since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s the type of travel that has rebounded the best, reveals the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in its 2024 State of the Cruise Industry Report. In 2023, its passenger volume reached 107% compared to that of 2019. In the country, MSC Cruises Canada recently welcomed the fact that the MSC Meravigliaa ship with a capacity of nearly 5,700 cruise passengers, had become a favorite among Quebec travelers. In fact, during the last two weeks of July, more than 50% of its passengers came from Quebec! To explain this craze, the company cites the proximity of the ship’s home port (Brooklyn, New York) as well as its European-inspired amenities. MSC Cruises Canada also estimates that 1.2 million Canadians will go on cruises in 2025. Note: the average age of MSC Cruises’ clientele is 45. I would have bet on a higher age, but times are changing… Also according to CLIA and a survey it conducted last March, all companies combined, the average age of passengers is 46, and 36% are under 40.
Art in silos
What do Marseille in the south of France, Cape Town in South Africa, Shanghai in China, Duisburg in Germany, and Kristiansand in Norway have in common? The first city has converted historic silos into a performance hall; the others into impressive modern art museums. Thus, next to a performing arts center that fascinated me with its wooden “cape” warming a glass structure, an all-white Kunstsilo recently opened in the beautiful Norwegian town. Dedicated to showcasing modern Nordic art, its 25 rooms present works from its three private collections and temporary exhibitions. The latest news is that real estate developer Devimco had, at least on paper, big plans for the Silo no 5, in the Old Port of Montreal. How I can’t wait for it to get some love, like these other sites of the same nature.
In party mode in Charlevoix
Running on a railway whose first section was built in 1889, the Charlevoix train delights its passengers, and for good reason: a large part of its route offers views of the St. Lawrence River and sublime landscapes. “In the fall, when the colors are in full bloom, it’s magnificent!” says Frédéric Audet, Sales Director for Réseau Charlevoix. The train leaves the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency station in Québec City and three and a half hours later, or 144 km further, it arrives in La Malbaie, near the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu. On the way, it stops in Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré; not far from Club Med, in Petite-Rivière-Saint-François; a stone’s throw from the Hôtel Le Germain, in Baie-Saint-Paul; and in the pretty villages of Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive and Saint-Irénée. For the first time in its history, it will be possible to enjoy it for longer this year: it will be in operation seven days a week until October 31 and, thereafter, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until December 8. Various packages include accommodation. It is also not out of the question that a train will resume service in the winter: “We are thinking about it!” says Mr. Audet.
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