MONTREAL , May 1, 2024 /CNW/ – The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) will officially launch this year’s cruise season on May 4, 2024 , at the Port of Montreal’s Grand Quay which is located at 200, De la Commune Street West. This celebration will mark the first ever arrival of the cruise ship Volendam . The event will be attended by: Julie Gascon , MPA President and CEO, Yves Gilson , Associate Director of Cruises for the Port of Montreal , Eugène Czolij, Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Montreal , Michael Polak , Consul of the Netherlands in Montreal and Laurentius Oscar van Eerten, the Captain of Volendam .
The ceremony will feature the presentation of a work of art created by Manon Sioui to the ship’s captain, as well as the inauguration of a new permanent exhibit dedicated to the 1,500 Ukrainian refugees who were housed on the ship for several months in 2022.
Schedule for the Day
7 a.m.
Ship’s arrival at the Port of Montreal’s Grand Quay.
10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Photography and individual interviews with Yves Gilson, A ssociate Director of Cruises for the Port of Montreal, and the captain of the ship (if available).
10:45 a.m. to 11:1 5 a.m.
Boarding the ship.
11:30 a.m. to 11: 50 a.m.
Remarks by the consuls, the captain and Juli e Gascon, MPA President and CEO. Presentation of the work of art to the ship’s captain and ribbon cutting for the new exhibit .
11:50 a.m. to noon
Media interviews with the captain and consuls.
Noon to 12:15 p.m.
Disembarkation of the ship, end of the event.
Please note that in order to board the ship, you must have completed and returned the form and possess a valid passport.
Complimentary parking will be offered at the Grand Quay.
SOURCE Montreal Port Authority