By
Rebecca Gibson |
Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises both called at the Port of Nanaimo, the gateway to Canada’s Central Vancouver Island, on 18-19 September.
Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess arrived at 7am and departed at 4pm on 18 September, calling as part of a 23-day itinerary from Vancouver to Fort Lauderdale in Florida. Meanwhile, Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Infinity arrived at 7am on 19 September as part of an eight-day roundtrip from Vancouver.
“We are delighted that both lines chose the Port of Nanaimo for local and regional shore excursions to the Alberni and Cowichan Valleys including the Parksville - Qualicum area,” said Bernie Dumas, president and CEO of the Nanaimo Port Authority. “Economically, this cruise call will have an average immediate impact of over CAD$300,000 to the region. Additionally, passengers seriously consider our destination for a future multi-day visit.”
As is customary at Nanaimo, passengers were greeted by Tourism Nanaimo Travel Counsellors and offered Nanaimo Bar samples, as well as the chance to take a photograph with the ‘Big Tub’ and displays of racing tubs from the Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Red Serge. They were also able to witness the traditional canon firing at the town’s historic bastion. Guests arriving on Saturday were able to watch a production of Shakespeare’s Othello at the Pioneer Waterfront Plaza.
While in Nanaimo, passengers also visited 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.
“We are so fortunate to be located in one of the most desirable destinations in the world and once travellers discover what we have here many plan to return,” said Dumas. “Our island hospitality programme with several partners is exceptional and I know from passengers’ feedback that our product is one of the best you can find anywhere.”