It is with great enthusiasm that Croisières AML and Groupe Dufour announced, in 2014, a major transaction in the cruise and excursion industry in the Province of Quebec.
Croisières Dufour, a new addition the AML fleet!
Croisières AML now owns all the assets of Croisières Dufour. This transaction also involves Croisières Charlevoix in Saint-Siméon as well as the boat Le Montréalais located in Montreal.
Over the years
Since 1984, the Croisières Dufour vessels have cruised the waters of the St. Lawrence River and the Saguenay Fjord. Pioneers of observation cruises, they dedicated themselves to promoting the beauty of the Tadoussac region. «Today, I am very pleased to announce a unique partnership with Croisières AML, a flagship of our cruise industry in Quebec. By entrusting our cruise operations to Croisières AML, Groupe Dufour will now focus its efforts on its hotel operations while creating a synergy with the sale of cruises, thus supporting Croisières AML.», said Robert Pillenière, President of Groupe Dufour.
By joining forces, this partnership will allow the two Quebec companies to work closely and promote touristic attractions of the St. Lawrence River. «It is with pride that we are taking over the operations of Groupe Dufour’s fleet. We greatly respect this local company that has stood out over the past years. We are very happy to count on Groupe Dufour amongst our partners for cruise sales. This partnership will be beneficial for our industry and for the touristic development of the St. Lawrence River» says Yan Hamel, President and CEO of Croisières AML.
With the acquisition of these new boats, Croisières AML will proceed with the development of next season’s operations by improving its cruises and services. «The demand is increasing and the need is growing. The addition of new vessels in the AML fleet allows us to continue our mission of sharing our passion for water and providing high-quality service, while ensuring customer satisfaction», adds Yan Hamel.
For the past two years, Croisières AML has made several acquisitions that have resulted in increasing its presence on the St. Lawrence River:
- In 2012, the company acquired 50% of Croisières Lachance. This new partnership allows AML to develop the sector of Montmagny and the islands.
- The year 2013 was marked by the acquisition of two Croisières AML competitors: Les Croisières 2001 in Tadoussac and Les Croisières Le Coudrier in Quebec City and Trois-Rivières. The AML fleet is rejuvenated with the arrival of three new boats. The arrival in 2014 of AML in Trois-Rivières has further confirmed its role as a major player in the field.
Croisières AML is a family business established in Quebec since 1972 with 24 boats operating on the St. Lawrence River and the Saguenay Fjord. The quality, originality and variety of the cruises offered provide pleasure, emotions and thrills to over 500 000 passengers annually. The impeccable service and warm hospitality of its 650 employees has been the hallmark of the company for over 43 years. Present in 10 ports in the Province of Quebec, Croisières AML is today, more than ever, the most important cruise and excursion company in Canada.
