President & CEO of the Nanaimo Port Authority, Bernie Dumas anticipates a warm island welcome for the largest cruise ship to date to visit Nanaimo. The 137,000 gross ton Explorer of the Seas will call Nanaimo on Wednesday May 18th.
Dumas comments: “The Explorer of the Seas is one of the largest cruise ships calling in British Columbia with an impressive passenger capacity. If you are anywhere near the Nanaimo Harbour you won’t miss her. As usual, passengers will be enjoying local & regional shore excursions to the Alberni and Cowichan Valleys including the Parksville - Qualicum area. As passengers arrive in the Cruise Ship Terminal, Tourism Nanaimo Travel Counsellors greet passengers with Nanaimo Bar samplings and point the way to photo opportunities with the RCMP in Red Serge, the Big Tub and displays of racing Tubs from the Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society. Cannon Firings at our historic Bastion are scheduled for 11 AM, noon, and 1 PM."
“Passengers can also take in the popular farmer’s market in the Pioneer Waterfront Plaza and a Classic Car Show in Diana Krall Plaza from 10 AM to 2 PM. Complimentary shuttles transport passengers from the cruise terminal through downtown where they engage local volunteers organized by the DNBIA. Contact with local culture include the downtown area, museums, galleries, eateries and walking tours which receive positive passenger feedback on a consistent basis.”
“Economically, each cruise visit has an immediate impact of over $250,000 to the region. Also, passengers seriously consider our destination for a future multi-day visit.”
The Nanaimo Port Authority is one of 18 Port Authorities across Canada, established under the Canada Marine Act, to promote and support the National, Regional and local economy and to ensure a safe and secure harbour for cargo operations.