By
Rebecca Gibson |
Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity is to make her inaugural call at the Port of Nanaimo on Central Vancouver Island, Canada on 5 August.
Arriving at 7am, Crystal Serenity will remain in Nanaimo until 5pm. As is customary at Nanaimo, passengers will be greeted by Tourism Nanaimo Travel Counsellors and offered Nanaimo Bar samples, as well as the chance to take a photograph with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Red Serge. They will also be able to witness two traditional canon firings at the town’s historic bastion. They will also be able to see the ‘Big Tub’ and displays of racing tubs from the Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society.
“Our warm Central Vancouver Island welcome will be primed for this luxury ship call to our port,” said Bernie Dumas, president and CEO of Nanaimo Port Authority. “With feedback over the years that we host largest cruise ships very well, Crystal Serenity with 1,070 passenger capacity, is another line that we look forward to working with as our cruise programme evolves.”
While in Nanaimo, passengers will also be able to visit the harbourside walkway, the Pioneer Waterfront Plaza and various museums. Guests can also take complimentary shuttle services from the cruise terminal to downtown Nanaimo where they will be greeted by local volunteers and can visit galleries, shops and dining venues, or take walking tours.
“Crystal Serenity is a luxury-class cruise line designed to please a specific type of passenger,” said Dumas. “We are delighted that the company chose the Port of Nanaimo for our local and regional shore excursions to the Alberni and Cowichan Valleys including the Parksville - Qualicum area.”
The call is expected to have an average immediate economic impact of more than CAD$100,000.