FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ISSUED ON BEHALF OF PORT CHARLOTTETOWN
Prince Edward Island Named North America’s Best Cruise Destination at 2026 World Cruise Awards
Island follows Alaska and Hawaii as winner of the title, as Canada sweeps North America’s cruise categories
CHARLOTTETOWN, Prince Edward Island, October 23, 2026 – Prince Edward Island has been named North America’s Best Cruise Destination 2026 by the World Cruise Awards, placing the Island among the world’s most celebrated places to visit by sea. The title has been held in recent years by Hawaii, Alaska and Florida, and Prince Edward Island is the first Atlantic Canadian destination to earn it, recognized this year alongside global winners including Abu Dhabi, Lisbon and the Seychelles.
For an island of our size, the recognition carries real weight. It tells cruise lines, travel advisors and travellers around the world that Prince Edward Island offers an experience to rival the best in North America, from Charlottetown’s historic streets and celebrated seafood to red sand beaches, working harbours and the enduring story of Anne of Green Gables.
“This award places Prince Edward Island among the most recognized cruise destinations in North America and reinforces our growing reputation with travellers around the world. It belongs to the Islanders whose hospitality and pride make every visit memorable, and it gives us a remarkable opportunity to share our Island with even more of the world.”
-Hon. Rob Lantz, Premier of Prince Edward Island
Cruise is already one of the most powerful ways Prince Edward Island introduces itself to international travellers. In 2026, Port Charlottetown welcomed nearly 150,000 passengers and crew across 70 calls, with guests arriving from across North America, the United Kingdom and Europe. The province’s cruise exit survey found that 81% of guests were visiting for the first time and 92% would recommend Prince Edward Island to others, making every call an invitation to return for a longer stay.
That global spotlight arrives as some of the world’s best-known cruise brands commit to the Island. Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 makes her first call to Charlottetown on September 22, 2027, and Disney Cruise Line returns on October 27 with Disney Wish, its first visit in a decade. Port Charlottetown’s 2027 schedule already anticipates 87 calls and more than 185,000 passengers and crew.
“There is no better welcome than what you get when you arrive at Port Charlottetown, where staff unfailingly showcase the warm and friendly welcome our province is known for. I extend my sincere congratulations to everyone involved for their hard work.”
-Hon. Ernie Hudson, Minister of Fisheries, Rural Development and Tourism
Cruise also carries the Island’s tourism season well into the fall. In October 2027 alone, Port Charlottetown is scheduled to welcome 42 calls and nearly 60,000 cruise passengers, almost half of the year’s total, along with more than 28,000 crew. These visitors keep tour operators, restaurants, artisans and attractions busy through the harvest season and the fall colours. Cruise activity generated $49 million in economic output in Prince Edward Island in 2024 and supported about 280 jobs. *
“World-class recognition helps us compete for the itineraries of the future. This award gives cruise lines one more reason to choose Prince Edward Island, and it is helping turn our fall into a season of its own, with business for Island farmers, fishers, chefs, guides and shops long after summer ends. We are proud to share this moment with Tourism PEI and our partners across the Island.”
-Mike Cochrane, CEO, Port Charlottetown
Prince Edward Island’s win was part of a strong year for Canada, which took all three North America categories, with Port Saint John named Best Cruise Terminal and Montréal named Best River Cruise Destination.
About the World Cruise Awards
The World Cruise Awards recognize excellence across the global cruise sector. Established in 2021, the program is the sister event of the World Travel Awards.
About Port Charlottetown
Located in the heart of downtown, Port Charlottetown offers cruise guests immediate access to the city’s waterfront, shops, restaurants and cultural experiences. As a key port of call on the Canada and New England itinerary, it is a gateway to the best of Prince Edward Island.
*Source: Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Contribution of Cruise Tourism to the Canadian Economy 2024. All figures in Canadian dollars.
– 30 –