Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Balmoral became the first ever cruise ship to call at the Canadian port of Trois-Rivières on 20 September 2012. The ship was sailing on the 28-night “Canada Eastern Seaboard” itinerary. Alan Lam reports.
To mark this occasion, the Master of Balmoral, Captain Victor Stoica, presided over an official ceremony aboard the ship, attended by local dignitaries: they included the Mayor, Yves Lévesque, General Manager of Innovation and Economic Development for Trois-Rivières, Yves Marchand, and CEO of the port, Gaétan Boivin.
The Mayor presented Captain Stoica with a work of art by artist Sylvie Leblanc, a book about Trois-Rivières, and a basket of local produce. In return, the Captain presented his hosts with a souvenir plaque from Balmoral.
“Trois-Rivières was a fantastic port of call and we received a great welcome from the local people,” said Guy Sharp, Balmoral’s Hotel Manager. “The Mayor met a lot of our guests personally, and he and his team were clapped into the Ballindalloch Restaurant by all our guests and crew. This town, the Ship’s Agent Audrey and the local dignitaries all made quite an impression upon us.”
“I have met many of Balmoral’s passengers and I have heard only positive comments,” said the Mayor, clearly delighted by the visit. “They find Trois-Rivières clean and welcoming, and I feel that this day is a great success.”
“We received a very warm welcome from the entire crew,” echoed Yves Marchand. “We talked with the Captain, and were delighted to hear that Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines was very happy with the welcome that Balmoral received in Trois-Rivières. Comments from the passengers have been very flattering, and we are confident that this good first impression means that the experience will be repeated in the future.”
The town organised a dedicated team of 70 people to greet Balmoral’s guests, offering - among others - guided tours and providing information.
“We are proud to have convinced Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines to put their trust in us. Today was a first, but I am convinced that this is just the beginning,” said Yolande Masse, Trois-Rivières’ Director of Tourism.
Trois-Rivières is a city on the Saint Lawrence River, in the Mauricie region of Quebec, halfway between Montreal and Quebec City.
Alan Lam
