9 5 “The Mi’kmaq are the indigenous people of Prince Edward Island and know it as Epekwitk, which means ‘something lying on the water’,” says Sulis. “Over the centuries, the island has been colonised by both the French (who created the Acadia colony) and the British and is now one of the 13 provinces of Canada. Today, it’s home to people of indigenous, Acadian, English, French, Black, Irish, Scottish, Lebanese and other heritage, creating a rich cultural diversity that reflects the island’s ever-changing story. We offer multiple shore excursions to enable guests to learn more about our island through the eyes of those who live here.” In 2023, for example, cruise visitors will be able to join a new ‘Journey into History’ tour, which has been created by shore excursion provider Experiences PEI to bring Prince Edward Island’s indigenous, Acadian and British history to life. It takes place at Skmaqn-Port La Joye-Fort Amherst, which guarded the entrance to Charlottetown Harbour in the mid 1700s and is now a National Heritage Site. “Upon arrival, the guests will be led to a traditional hand-crafted wigwam where an aboriginal elder will conduct a traditional smudging ceremony and explain the importance of the site to the Mi’kmaq,” says Sulis. “Guests will then head to the interpretive centre where the elder will explain the role of the medicine man in Mi’kmaq culture and share how traditional rattles were used to ward off bad spirits or invoke good spirits. The elder will then provide step-by-step instructions as guests create their own rawhide rattle to take home.” Following this, guests will be able to sample bannock, a traditional Mi’kmaq bread, and fricot, an Acadian chicken soup. “It will be prepared by an Acadian chef who will explain the cultural significance of the dish,” says Sulis. “Guests will then join a Parks Canada interpreter for a guided walk through the remains of the French and English fort to learn about the historical significance of the site.” Cruise operators wanting to bring guests to the island to experience its natural beauty, cuisine, culture and its friendly people will find it easy to dock at the Port of Charlottetown in the island’s capital city. Located within easy walking or driving distance to multiple tourist attractions, shops and dining venues, the port offers well-equipped facilities that enable seamless embarkation and disembarkation experiences. “Upgrades carried out in 2022 have doubled the port’s berthing capacity, allowing it to accommodate two 300-metre-long ships at the same time,” says Sulis. “The gangways have also been enhanced to improve social distancing capabilities. Meanwhile, the welcome centre offers easy access to shore excursion and transportation providers. It also hosts a wide variety of highquality local retailers and artisans. “Prince Edward Island offers visitors a truly unique Canadian experience, and we are excited to continue welcoming them to our shores.” CFIP Picturesque beaches are just one example of the multiple natural spaces that await guests on Prince Edward Island. Top, a Disney Cruise Line ship berthed in Port Charlottetown, which is close to many of the island’s key tourist attractions Photo: Tourism Prince Edward Island
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