First cruise ship to set dock in Charlottetown on April 22 after two-year hiatus
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CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Charlottetown’s port authority is making ready to welcome the primary cruise ship to town’s port in additional than two years.
In an April 21 launch, Port Charlottetown mentioned the season will kick off with a go to from Viking Octantis, an expeditions class ship from Viking Expeditions, on Friday, April 22.
“The secure return of cruise ships in Charlottetown and in Canada represents the end result of many months of planning, cooperation and tenacity on the a part of all of our companions and our group,” mentioned Port Charlottetown CEO Mike Cochrane.“We’re desirous to kick off a busy season and welcome the world again to Charlottetown.”
Port Charlottetown is anticipating 74 cruise ship visits throughout the season, with most vessels scheduled to reach in September and October from acquainted strains like Holland American, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Traces.
The port authority additionally plans to make use of its second berth this cruise season, which was accomplished in 2020 as a part of a $12-million berth growth challenge.
The brand new cruise ship parking spot will permit 200-300 metre-plus vessels to dock concurrently and supply passengers a secure and environment friendly approach of attending to shore.
“This summer time holds a lot promise for the return of tourism to downtown Charlottetown and the Island,” mentioned Daybreak Alan, govt director of Downtown Charlottetown Inc. “A giant a part of the seasonal success for companies, retail, eating, and past, is the return of cruise to our harbour and to the streets.”
In 2019, P.E.I.’s cruise business had an financial influence of $42.2 million and greater than 290 jobs.
The port authority mentioned members have been working intently with Transport Canada and P.E.I.’s Chief Public Well being Workplace to make sure all cruise ship passengers and crew are totally vaccinated towards COVID-19 and take a look at damaging earlier than boarding.