City on St Lawrence river welcomes inaugural visit from Fred. Olsen ship
By
Cherie Rowlands |
The city of Trois-Rivières on the St Lawrence river shoreline celebrated its first ever cruise call when Fred. Olsen’s Balmoral docked at the Quebec port on 20 September.
Carrying 1,200 passengers, Balmoral was welcomed by around 70 locals who greeted passengers, worked as security volunteers and took guests on guided tours, while local producers offered free samples of regional specialties. Trois-Rivières mayor Yves Lévesque said: “I have met many passengers since this morning, and I have heard only positive comments. They find Trois-Rivières clean and welcoming. I feel that this day is a great success.”
At around midday local dignitaries including Mayor Yves Lévesque, the general manager of Trois-Rivières innovation and economic development Yves Marchand and port CEO Gaétan Boivin, gathered onboard for an official ceremony to mark the ship’s first call at the city. “We received a very warm welcome from the entire crew. We talked with the captain and were delighted to hear that they were very happy with the welcome they received in Trois-Rivières,” Marchand said.
The city's director of tourism Yolande Masse added: “We are proud to have convinced the Fred. Olsen line to trust us. Today was a first, but I am convinced that this is just the beginning.”
The second ship sailing into the St Lawrence port is Saga Cruises Quest for Adventure which will be calling on September 25, while Seabourn Sojourn is scheduled to visit in September 2013.
A record 2012 season has seen 250,000 cruise ship passengers sailing on the St Lawrence, with ships docking at all nine ports along the river for the first time.