Royal Caribbean vessel is one of the largest ships to ever visit the Canadian town
By
Rebecca Gibson |
The Port of Nanaimo welcomed a maiden call from Royal Caribbean International’s Explorer of the Seas – one of the largest ships to ever visit the Canadian town – on 18 May.
To mark the visit, Snuneymuxw Chief John Wesley blessed the ship and presented her captain with a ceremonial plaque and a painting. The onboard ceremony was also attended by representatives from the port and city, including Mayor Bill McKay.
“I am so gratified to see and hear how passengers are enjoying the city and our Nanaimo hospitality,” said McKay. “We want to see visitors return and visit again when they have more time to take in everything we can offer. I’ve met so many great people today and enjoyed their enthusiastic reactions to Nanaimo.”
As is customary at Nanaimo, Explorer of the Seas’ passengers were 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 were also able to witness the ship’s captain participate in a traditional canon firing at the town’s historic bastion.
“This is fantastic – the services, the amenities, your waterfront and the warm hospitality,” said Captain Sullivan. “I’ve been hearing very positive comments from passengers about the Cannon Firing Ceremony.”
Cruise guests were also able to enjoy various shore excursions while in Nanaimo, including a tour to the Alberni and Cowichan Valleys and the Parksville - Qualicum area. They were able to visit a farmer’s market in the Pioneer Waterfront Plaza, or take a complimentary shuttles transport passengers from the cruise terminal to explore the downtown area’s museums, shops, galleries and dining venues.
“Reactions from passengers are very positive and while Nanaimo has provided a red carpet for the first ship of this season, the true test of Nanaimo as a destination resides in reactions and feedback from passengers,” said Bernie Dumas, president and CEO of the Nanaimo Port Authority. “We work hard to provide a professional level of service and pay attention to the many details that make cruise calls successful.”
Each cruise visit has an estimated immediate impact of more than US$250,000.
“Tourism Nanaimo is excited to see Royal Caribbean return to Nanaimo and is looking forward to working with the port and other tourism partners to make this a great experience for both Nanaimo, cruise passengers and Royal Caribbean,” said John Hankins, president and CEO of Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation. “Cruise ships have a significant economic impact to our local economy and provide a great opportunity for passengers to sample the delights of Nanaimo and hopefully return.”