Tour Operator in Saint John NB & the Bay of Fundy Book your exciting Aquila shore excursions directly through your cruise line website.
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With more than 35 years of experience in the tourism industry, Aquila Tours continues to be the preferred tour operator for cruise lines operating shore excursions in Saint John, New Brunswick.
This has become one of our new favorite stories in
You probably don’t hear stories about cows and farms in the training every day, and you might not immediately see their connection to the power of partnership. But our global trainer, Melanie Jones Colpitts , shared a fantastic example during our Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Training Wave Season. We know you’ll agree with us after watching this.
Today is a big day for ! We're celebrating the 20th of Danielle Kelly Timmons becoming a managing partner!
Her actual time at Aquila includes many more years - we won't say how many, but it's true that ET was at the movie theatre and Michael Jackson's Thriller was in the record store when she started answering the phone and stuffing envelopes! These past 20 years have seen her take on increasing responsibility on the leadership team, and now includes all of our tour operations, among many other roles. We're so grateful for her and the difference she makes to our team and our company every day! 🥳🤗❤️
🚢✨ NYC team is having such a fantastic time attending the Cruise Canada New England Symposium! From enjoying a beautiful New York Harbor tour aboard the Atlantis to connecting with friends, old and new, from various sectors in the , every moment has been inspiring. We’re getting valuable insights from incredible speakers and couldn’t be prouder to see Danielle Kelly Timmons shining on the panel. Excited for what’s next! 🌟🛳️
Samantha MacVey
Trina Forrest
Kelsey Phinney
Natalie Allaby
Cruise Atlantic Canada
in NYC!
This week, Danielle Kelly Timmons, Samantha MacVey, Kelsey Phinney & Trina Forrest are attending the Cruise Canada New England Symposium 2024 in New York City! Danielle is delighted to be a panelist talking about “Destination Management and Social Acceptability”!
The Symposium brings together 200 industry delegates representing ports, cruise lines, marine agencies, tourism representatives, government partners as well as local suppliers. We are thrilled for this opportunity to learn about the latest trends in cruising, network and collaborate with all the other industry leaders.
Stay tuned with us for more exciting updates!
Cruise Atlantic Canada
Port Saint John
As one of our leaders, Danielle Kelly Timmons has been interviewed by various media outlets. This time, she’s featured on a podcast, offering a unique perspective on ’s journey. The interview is hosted by a great New Brunswicker, Voice Talent and Podcast Creator, and proud member of the Aquila team.
Tune in to Mark Brewer’s podcast, NB Traveler, today! Mark and Danielle discuss the importance of cruise ships to the Saint John economy. This interview is also live now on Spotify and other podcast platforms.
At Aquila, we are proud to have a multitalented team, with Mark being one of them. We love his podcast, where he shares fascinating stories about New Brunswick with his guests!
In this episode, Danielle Timmons, a member of the leadership team of Aquilla – The Centre or Cruise Excellence discusses some of the 35 year history of Cruise...
As we welcomed the first ship of 2024 a couple of weeks ago, the glowing testimonials from last year are still fresh in our minds. We are filled with pride and cannot wait to share more as we believe this year will bring even more positive feedback.
Delighted to share a heartwarming testimonial from Link Marine about our team. Dive into the full text below and feel the warmth of their words!
“We love having Laura, Ron, Sue, Marilyn, Lorenda, Diane, Gerard, Rose—and anyone I forgot (I’m sorry). It’s so great that they all bring so much excitement for their guests, and they play a crucial role in managing guest expectations about the unpredictability of wildlife! They cried right along with me when we saw right whales at the end of the season. Really, the guides are amazing and we very much appreciate the flexibility they are willing to give. We know that late arrivals are never the fault of the passengers or Aquila, and they always give us the time to make sure whales are the top priority. They know that their passengers are there to see whales and if they lose some time in town, they are OK with that. Those extra 15-30 minutes can mean the difference between seeing whales or not. THANK YOU ❤ THANK YOU to all of the guides with Aquila Tours ❤ THANK YOU.
Cheers, Danielle and the crew of Quoddy Link Marine”
(Beth’s reply: It is also all the great suppliers we work with that make such a difference for our guests. Thank you!)
Well done Sue!
Please find the full text below and don’t forget to give a thumbs up if you love what our team is doing!
“We had the pleasure of being in Saint John on 10/24 and explored the area on a tour led by Sue Crawford. I just wanted to let someone know how exceptional she is and how much we enjoyed our day. Sue is very knowledgeable about the area and had a suitcase full of fun teaching aids to pass the time between stops. We affectionately named her ‘Pirate Sue’ because of the flag she used to herd us around and her very quick wit. Unfortunately, we had someone who injured themselves and couldn’t complete the day, but Sue handled the situation like an absolute pro. She expertly managed the crisis while balancing her responsibility to the rest of our group to ensure we continued to enjoy the day. We took many excursions while on our cruise, and our day with her was by far our favorite.”
-Amanda & Steve Goodwin
Recently, we had a blast working with Hemmings House Pictures on an exciting Aquila ! We’re keeping the details under wraps for now, so stay tuned for more mysterious updates!
Port Saint John
Italian by Night
Our guests love visiting Place Fort La Tour on our shore excursions and yesterday was a perfect example of beautiful weather, history, and local stories.
Our first Pierside meeting of the year reminded us that cruise season is officially underway! Every year, we review our responsibilities, management, and best practices with our pierside team at various stages of the cruise season. With our team continually growing, this comprehensive and detail-oriented overview sharpens our vision and mission for ship days, ensuring we stay at the top of our game.
Cruise Atlantic Canada
Port Saint John
Saint John is alive with excitement! From the early morning preparations to the momentous docking, every moment at has been filled with anticipation and energy.
As we greeted our guests from the ship MSC Meraviglia, we could feel the buzz of curiosity and adventure in the air. We're thrilled to showcase the best of what our city has to offer, and we can't wait to see the smiles on our guests' faces as they discover the beauty and charm of Saint John.
Here's to an day filled with unforgettable moments and new beginnings! 🚢✨
Port Saint John
Cruise Atlantic Canada
Hey folks! Bruce the Goose is finally here! I've entered my new home province, visited many highlights on the way down the mighty Saint John River that my driver Russ was nice enough to stop at - he really wanted me to love my new home! Wow impressive! I’m now by the Bay of Fundy, welcomed by my new family at and friendly New Brunswickers! Arrived late and my other trolley friends were asleep - we were quiet so not to wake them as they need to be ready for the first ship of the season this week. I can't wait to start my Trolley Tours with them! Stay tuned to my story as I'm so excited to meet each of my new trolley friends.
See you all in the upcoming cruise season! 🚋🦢✨
Hey folks, Bruce the Goose here to update you all on my exciting journey home to Saint John! Today, my person is here to take me home! His name is Russ, and he seems like a very nice Canadian person! We traveled past Lake Michigan, through beautiful Algonquin Park, Sunbury, Montreal, and Quebec City.
Russ stopped a few times along the way to refuel me at Irving gas stations and himself at Tim Hortons. We visited very nice family in North Bay and Montreal and are now heading towards Atlantic Canada!
Stay tuned with me for my journey home! 🚋🦢✨
Hey there, Saint John! It's Bruce the Goose here. I’m not a fowl but your soon-to-be favorite Trolley pal, and I’m thrilled to share my story with you. 🚋💨
As a fresh face in the Aquila Trolley lineup, I'm brimming with excitement and a touch of nerves as I gear up for the journey of a lifetime to my forever home in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. Right now, I'm eagerly waiting in Wisconsin, USA, Vehicles anxiously anticipating the moment when someone from Aquila will come to take me home and kickstart this incredible adventure. Those lovely people in the picture are my builders.
I can't wait to dive headfirst into my purpose: serving the amazing people of Saint John and the adventurous cruise guests who flock to our city every season! From Scenic Saint John to Reversing Fall Rapids, I'm here to be your trusted companion, ready to make every moment unforgettable.
So, here's to new beginnings and adventures ahead! Saint John, get ready, because Goose is on the way, and I'm beyond excited to meet each and every one of you!
Stay tuned with me for my journey home! 🚋🦢✨
“This reflection on our accomplishments fills my heart with pride”, says our Founder Beth Hatt. “Together, we are shaping an Aquilamazing and bright future, driven by a shared passion for making a difference in an industry we love.”
Read Beth's article - "The evolution of the spark -- How Aquila came to be" at this link https://www.linkedin.com/posts/bethhatt_cruiseindustry-passion-serviceexcellence-activity-7191765375003353089-zvts?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Aquila is delighted to contribute to elevating service excellence in the Caribbean and Latin America. The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) has been a pivotal partner in this initiative, and we are honoured to continue as your official training partner. "As we renew our valued partnership with FCCA, we are thrilled to continue our journey of empowering cruise destinations with unparalleled training and support,” said Beth Hatt, Founder of Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence. "Together, we are shaping an Aquilamazing and bright future, driven by a shared passion for making a difference in an industry we love."
The FCCA is thrilled to announce the extension of our partnership with Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence. As the FCCA's official training partner for over a decade, Aquila will continue to play a pivotal role for at least another five years. This renewed agreement will focus on expanding training sessions tailored specifically to the needs of destinations and the cruise industry. Since partnering in 2010, Beth Hatt and her incredible team have conducted 215 workshops, engaged over 20,000 participants, developed 25 training programs, and provided customized training and product analysis to various destinations and tour operators. We're excited to enhance these programs by adding more specialized training sessions that will benefit all stakeholders in the cruise industry!
🌱 Today, we celebrated Earth Day in action!
With a shared commitment to our planet, Team joined hands for Earth Day Lunch Walk as our Aquilactivity! Every small effort makes a big difference in protecting our beautiful Earth. 🌎
📣 Are you a champion of organization? Do you love to build relationships with clients and the team around you? Do you thrive on creatively solving problems in a unique environment? Do you want to work with a tour operator that is regularly described as the best in the world?
If it sounds like you, you are wanted by Aquila! We are currently seeking a SEASONAL CRUISE MANAGER. We are highly respected within the global cruise industry… and we have fun in our living lab, Saint John! To apply, please send your resume to: [email protected].
Who is Aquila? We are cruise industry experts. For over forty years, Aquila’s purpose has been to ignite the spirit of discovery – and have fun while doing it! As a renowned Canadian tour operator, we deliver shore excursions to cruise lines that create lasting memories of the Bay of Fundy for o...
Since we are at Bay of Funday, the highest tide on the earth, it’s fun to know a bit more about how the tide works!😜
The Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence proudly announces the inaugural recipient of The Aquila Whalesong Award for Excellence in People Investment: the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC). This award, presented during the Seatrade 2024 event in Miami, celebrates organizations that demonstrate outstanding dedication to nurturing talent and fostering growth and development within the tourism sector.
The award, that takes the form of a whale tail, symbolizing strength, wisdom, and the profound harmony echoed in the Whalesong, recognizes the exemplary commitment of the PRTC team. Their tireless efforts in raising the bar of service excellence in the destination have not only propelled Puerto Rico’s tourism industry but also exemplifies resilience, innovation, and leadership in team building and destination development.
“The Aquila Whalesong Award represents our commitment to celebrating those who embody dedication, innovation, and leadership in building vibrant tourism destinations,” said Beth Hatt, founder and CEO of Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence. “Through this annual tradition, we aim to recognize and honor individuals and teams whose contributions echo the grace and power of the whales, known for their close-knit communities and shared wisdom. The PRTC’s dedication to investing in people has not only strengthened their team but has also enriched the experiences of countless travelers visiting the island, and contributes to a vibrant cruise industry in the region through its people.”
Puerto Rico Tourism Company
Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA)
Seatrade Cruise Events
Carlos Mercado Santiago
Crystal J. Bell
Melanie Jones Colpitts
Danielle Kelly Timmons
Melissa Villarreal Martinez
Ambra Attus
Happy Eid Mubarak to our friends who celebrate! ✨🌙
🚢 Excitement fills the air as begins! 🌟
The team is thrilled to kick off this annual adventure once more, surrounded by our esteemed partners and dear friends. Let's make the most of this journey together! 🎉
This year, we are talking about AI and Technology Innovations, Attracting the New to Cruise Segment, Decarbonization, Expedition Cruising, and a lot of fun but also enlightening topics!
Meet us at both Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) booth # 1841, and the Cruise Canada New England booth # 623!
Seatrade Cruise Events
🌟 What can make one happier than seeing the smile of our fur baby?
This heartwarming moment captured by Sam fills us with joy! Monty's delight over his Christmas cookie brings pure happiness to our heart.
🐾✨
Happy Easter from Aquila! 🐇
The holiday season is all about making magical memories, and our very own Danielle Kelly Timmons did just that on her ! Join us in reliving her festive getaway to beautiful Nova Scotia alongside her hubby, the photographer Lance Timmons Photography.
From charming coastal towns to breathtaking landscapes, provided the perfect backdrop for their Christmas break adventure. 🌊🏞️
Have you ever thought about becoming a Tour Guide in Saint John & the Bay of Fundy? Come find out what it's all about and why our team is AQUILAMAZING! We're hosting virtual Tour Guide Information Sessions where we'll talk about what it means to be a Cruise Season Tour Guide, the training process, and more! Register by reaching out to [email protected].
Melanie’s holidays are always focused on family, traditions, and making memories. You might find her family cookie baking and carolling, or on Bay of Fundy holiday adventures like visiting the lobster trap tree in St Martins or winter camping at Fundy National Park. Her favourite time of year, Melanie makes sure the is merry and bright!
10 St. James Street
Saint John, NB
E2L1T9
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This has become one of our new favorite stories in #tra#aquila You probably don’t hear stories about cows and farms in the #CruiseIndustry training every day, and you might not immediately see their connection to the power of partnership. But our #Aquilamazing global trainer, Melanie Jones Colpitts , shared a fantastic example during our Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Training Wave Season. We know you’ll agree with us after watching this. #Aquila
Our new trolley Bruce the Goose is on his way home.
Hey there, Saint John! It's Bruce the Goose here. I’m not a fowl but your soon-to-be favorite #Aquila Trolley pal, and I’m thrilled to share my story with you. 🚋💨 As a fresh face in the Aquila Trolley lineup, I'm brimming with excitement and a touch of nerves as I gear up for the journey of a lifetime to my forever home in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. Right now, I'm eagerly waiting in Wisconsin, USA, @Specialty Vehicles anxiously anticipating the moment when someone from Aquila will come to take me home and kickstart this incredible adventure. Those lovely people in the picture are my builders. I can't wait to dive headfirst into my purpose: serving the amazing people of Saint John and the adventurous cruise guests who flock to our city every season! From Scenic Saint John to Reversing Fall Rapids, I'm here to be your trusted companion, ready to make every moment unforgettable. So, here's to new beginnings and #Aquilamazing adventures ahead! Saint John, get ready, because Goose is on the way, and I'm beyond excited to meet each and every one of you! Stay tuned with me for my journey home! 🚋🦢✨ #trolley #shoreexcursions #cruise
🌟 Happy International Day of Happiness from Aquila! 🌟 At #Aquila, happiness is at the heart of everything we do. Today, we celebrate the joy that fuels our team and enhances the experiences of everyone we touch. Our belief is simple: happy teams lead to delighted guests, setting a ripple effect of positivity through the cruise industry and beyond. Join us as we navigate towards a brighter, happier future together. Here's to creating waves of joy that reach far and wide! #InternationalHappinessDay #AquilaJoy #SpreadHappiness
Happy International Women’s Day! 🌍👩💼💖 This year, let’s celebrate all the women leading the change at Aquila. This is our #AquilaSuperpower! Let's honor the achievements and recognize the #Aquilamazing contributions of women in our industry. Share your stories and celebrate the remarkable women in your life! #WomensDay #Aquila #Aquilamazing #CruiseIndustry
This year, let’s celebrate all the women leading the change at Aquila. This is our #AquilaSuperpower! Let's honor the achievements and recognize the #Aquilamazing contributions of women in our industry. Share your stories and celebrate the remarkable women in your life! Beth Hatt, Samantha MacVey, Trina Forrest, Kelsey Phinney, Danielle Kelly Timmons, Lori Patterson, Wenzhu He, Melissa Villarreal, Jennifer Hay, Yessika Veliz, Ambra Attus de Abbott, Angela Samson, Melanie Jones Colpitts #WomensDay #Aquila #Aquilamazing #CruiseIndustry
Happy birthday Beth Hatt, Ambra Attus de Abbott and Elizabeth Cormier! 🎂🎂🎂
🎉 Celebrating the Importance of Tour Guides! 🌟 Tour Guides leading shore excursions for the cruise industry have a remarkable responsibility. As Tour Guides, we hold the guest experience in our hands, and we’re required to deliver a fun and engaging experience with excellent commentary, while following all of the processes and managing any difficult situations that might come up. During our Tour Guide month, we want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to those who completed our Tour Guide Excellence programs in the last 12 months! 🎉 Your dedication has elevated you to excellent tour guides, adding immense value to the tourism world! 🌍 👏Kudos to those that made it happen: Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Puerto Rico Tourism Company 🇵🇷 Tourism Trinidad 🇹🇹 Ministerio de Turismo de República Dominicana 🇩🇴 FBTT Travel Curacao 👏 Join us in acknowledging: Cruise Plus Services & Sales The Spoon Experience Destination Puerto Rico | Travel Services, Inc., a DMC Network Company RST - Rico Sun Tours DMC Services GET SHOPPED LTD Isla Caribe St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation Keep shining bright! ✨ #Aquila #Aquilamazing #CruiseIndustry #Training #TourGuide
Step into the enchanting world of Danielle Kelly Timmons and Trina Forrest as they weave their magic through #Miami! ✨🌴 Witness the excitement as we embark on an unforgettable tour, filled with promise and anticipation. We've got every reason to believe that 2024 is set to be a magical year, especially with our incredible partners in the #CruiseIndustry! Stay tuned for more mesmerizing moments and enchanting adventures with #Aquila! 🚢✨ #Aquilamazing #Magicaquila
Join us as Beth Hatt and Melanie Jones Colpitts dive into #Aquila's partner meetings and exciting adventures aboard the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) cruise on the Norwegian Gem Cruise Ship this week! 🚢✨ Anticipation is high as we eagerly look forward to what 2024 has in store for us. Sending gratitude to our partners for their continuous support: Puerto Rico Tourism Company 🇵🇷 GoDominicanRepublic, República Dominicana 🇩🇴 Crystal J Bell Tamara Bird Ana Vilchez Here's to forging stronger connections and creating memorable experiences together! 🌐🤝 Cruise Atlantic Canada #Aquilamazing #Cruiseindustry #CruisePartners
During our yearly retreat🧘♀️ we make sure we celebrate 🥳 we make sure we learn 🧐 we make sure we vision for the future 🤩 And we do a lot more 😜 #aquila #aqilamazing #cruise #cruiseindustry #retreat
Another season of celebration, another year of being proud of the best team.🥳 Join us in this celebration💞 #aquila #aquilamazing #cruise #cruiseindustry #EndOfYear #endofseasonparty
This is how Port Saint John looks like on a double ship day, with our busy but happy #Aquila team onsite and the beautiful harbor view 🚢❤️ #cruise #cruiseindustry #touroperator #ShipDay Cruise Atlantic Canada
Last Friday, #Aquila was invited on a tour and lunch with Explora Journeys . What a luxurious journey, especially during this bustling #cruise season! It was a much-needed boost to our energy levels. Who wouldn't love a cruise experience like this, and who wouldn't love #cruiseindustry ? 🚢✨
🌟 Day 2: Diving Deeper into Innovation! 🌊 PRTC Team Explores Aquila's Living Lab Best Practices! 🚢 Greetings from Aquila's vibrant Living Lab, where 11 Puerto Rico Tour Operators embark on another exhilarating day of discovery! 🌐 🌟Morning kicks off with an immersive overview of a ship day with Carnival Cruise Line in Port Saint John. 🏢 The team's keen eyes observed Transportation & Bus Dispatch, Sales, Tour Guides, and Cruise Managers. In the organization and operation of this, Aquila has received praise and recognition within the cruise industry, and this experience has been applied to our #Aquilatraining courses . 🚍💼🔝 🌟 The team then met with Natalie Allaby, the illustrious Director of Cruise Excellence at the Port, including a visit to the award winning AREA 506 Container Village. The adventure continued on a tour to St. Martins to learn more about our amazing Bay of Fundy tides. This iconic Aquila tour boasts breathtaking vistas, tales of tides and lots of fun with our wonderful Aquila guides! 🌄🌊 Day 2 stands as a testament to Aquila's legacy as a trailblazing tour operator and global-renowned cruise industry trainer. As we delve deeper into the ocean of innovation, together we redefine what's possible. Stay tuned for more updates as this journey continues to unfold!! 🌍🚀 Puerto Rico Tourism Company Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Atlantic Canada #aquila #aquilalivinglab #bayoffundy #serviceexcellence #wearecruise #globaltrainer #cruiseindustry
🌟 Exciting News Alert! 🌟 Aquila Welcomes Puerto Rico Tourism Delegation to Saint John to learn Aquila’s best practices in our Living Lab! 🇵🇷🇨🇦 🎉 This is the FIRST-EVER visit of a cruise destination delegation to Aquila’s living lab, and we have rolled out the red carpet for a stellar delegation of 14 people representing 6 Tour Operators and members of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. 🌄⚓ For a decade strong, Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence and the Puerto Rico Tourism Company have been partners on a training strategy that's all about leveling up. 🚀 From their Frontlines to Tour Guides, Tour Operators, and Service Providers, this strategy has made a real difference in the destination and the partnership is a masterclass in success. 👩🏫👨💼 So please join us in a warm welcome to our guests from the Puerto Rico Tourism Company and their tour operators, for their unwavering commitment to learning and growing with their visit to learn best practices in Aquila’s living lab!👏👏@ @Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Port Saint John Cruise Atlantic Canada #cruisenews #aquila #aquilalivinglab #aquilatraining #globaltrainer #service #excellence #cruiseindustry #training #workshop #tourism #wearecruise#shoreexcursions #touroperator #tourism #explorenb #saintjohn #bayoffundy #cruise #cruiseindustry #SJTownsByTheBay #SaintAwesome #canada
Share with us your experience of the tour. We asked our guests who visited in NCL Norwegian Breakaway and took our popular “Trolley Tour”. @NCL Norwegian Breakaway @PortSaintJohn 👉 Check out your cruise line’s shore excursions listing to book our tours
Cruise season is here! Wondering about our tours? Hear what our guests from last year say 🎤 Cruise Atlantic Canada #aquila #shoreexcursions #touroperator #service #excellence #tourism #explorenb #saintjohn #bayoffundy #cruise #cruiseindustry #SJTownsByTheBay #SaintAwesome #canada #sjhighlights
#Aquila team is ready and excited for the cruise season - everyone enjoyed a successful Pre-season Kick Off yesterday! 🥳🚢 Cruise Atlantic Canada, Port Saint John #WeAreCruise #KickOFF2023 #cruise #tourism #cruisenews #aquilalivinglab #shoreexcursions #touroperator #explorenb #bayoffundy #sjtownsbythebay #canada
