Canadian port will handle eight cruise ship visits next year, three more than in 2015
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Nanaimo in the Canadian province of British Columbia has booked two additional cruise calls for 2016.
The Canadian port is now set to welcome eight cruise ships next year, a rise from the five ships it will handle in 2015.
“We just received great news that two more calls will be added to 2016 for a total of eight,” said Bernie Dumas, president and CEO of Nanaimo Port Authority. “I feel that this is recognition for the Central Island’s solid cruise programme and our work with our local community partners, the Downtown Nanaimo Business Improvement Association (DNBIA) and Tourism Nanaimo and others to make all calls consistently exceptional.”
The news of the extra 2016 calls came as Nanaimo welcomed a return visit from Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Solstice on 21 September.
“The Celebrity Solstice is one of the largest cruise ships on the Inside Passage in 2015 and we welcome her back after a successful visit in 2014,” said Dumas.
As with every cruise call, Tourism Nanaimo staff greeted Celebrity Solstice’s passengers as they arrived at the terminal, offering them the chance to take a photo with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in red serge and providing them with information about the canon firings, which take place at noon, 1 pm and 2 pm at the historic Bastion. Visitors were also able to enjoy Shakespeare by the Sea in the Waterfront Plaza, which has been sponsored by the Nanaimo Port Authority and Tourism Nanaimo.
In addition, passengers embarked on shore excursions to the Alberni and Cowichan valleys and the Qualicum area. Meanwhile, free shuttle buses transported passengers from the cruise terminal to the downtown area, museums, galleries, eateries and the Farmers Market. Here, they were able to enjoy walking tours or other activities organised by the DNBIA and local volunteers.