Info For Local Businesess
As an integral part of our cruise guest experience, we want to set you up for success. Please reach out to us to learn how you can best serve our cruise visitors and make the most out of every cruise day this season!
An Economic Driver
The Island’s cruise industry has grown by leaps and bounds over the past decade. In 2019, it had a $42.2M economic impact on the local economy. At Port Charlottetown, we’re committed to further growing cruise tourism on PEI and showcasing our incredible array of local businesses.
Cruise Updates
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Local Businesses on the Impact of Cruise
“The tourist season when I was growing up was July and August and that was it. This is a big deal for us not just in Charlottetown but in rural communities to. To have world class facilities that were able to hold multiple ships sometimes up to 4 at once, it’s top notch!”
“The PEI Preserve Company’s bottom line gets a major boost from welcoming cruise ship passengers from late April to late fall. And let’s not forget, hiring a good amount of staff means the economy gets a high-five too. It’s a win-win situation!”
How to Make the Most of Cruise Days
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- On days when there’s a large ship or multiple ships in port, there are literally thousands more visitors on the Island and many of them are setting out to explore downtown Charlottetown.
- Make sure you have enough staff at your place of business to handle the extra demand.
- Consider adjusting your opening/closing hours to accommodate cruise visitors.
- Typically closed on Mondays? It might be worth testing the waters on a busy cruise Monday to see if it’s busy enough to warrant opening on cruise Mondays.
- Check our cruise schedule and start planning for those extra busy days!
Get Ready to be Busy!
- On days when there’s a large ship or multiple ships in port, there are literally thousands more visitors on the Island and many of them are setting out to explore downtown Charlottetown.
- Make sure you have enough staff at your place of business to handle the extra demand.
- Consider adjusting your opening/closing hours to accommodate cruise visitors.
- Typically closed on Mondays? It might be worth testing the waters on a busy cruise Monday to see if it’s busy enough to warrant opening on cruise Mondays.
- Check our cruise schedule and start planning for those extra busy days!
Help Cruise Guests Feel Right at Home
- Cruise Guests Feel Right at Home
Make sure your welcome sign is prominently displayed - If you have a chalkboard or whiteboard, consider writing a welcome message to the ships in port-
- A little intel goes a long way – our cruise visitors love it when you know something about their ship and/or itinerary. Our cruise schedule is a great place to learn more about the current ships in port and those due to dock soon.
Consider Accepting US Currency
- Make it super easy for our American guests to purchase from you by accepting US currency
- Regardless of whether you decide to accept US currency, it’s a good idea to stay on top of the current US-CDN exchange rate, so you can help guests do the math on your menu or product prices.
Share Your Love For Charlottetown
- Make it easy for visitors to discover our capital city by providing free visitor guides and walking maps. Please contact our friends at Discover Charlottetown to request free guides and maps for your establishment.
- Our cruise visitors love getting recommendations from locals. Make sure your staff have a list of favourite places to shop, eat, and explore top of mind so they have an answer ready when asked!
Think Unique and Travel-Friendly
- On cruise days, consider offering special gift items that will appeal to cruise guests. If it celebrates the essence of our Island, it’s sure to be a hit.
- Remember, small is beautiful because they often have limited space in their cabins to store purchases.
Take Care of the Ship Crew
- Every ship has a large complement of crew dedicated to taking care of their passengers. Flip the switch when they arrive at your door by taking extra special care of them!
- Ship crew are often in search of wi-fi so they can connect with their loved ones. Make sure your ‘Free Wifi’ sign is prominently displayed!