NANAIMO – Bernie Dumas, President & CEO of the Nanaimo Port Authority has cited this week’s return of the Celebrity Solstice and additional calls for 2016 as a validation for Nanaimo and the central island as a cruise destination.
“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.” states Dumas. “We just received great news that two more calls will be added to 2016 for a total of eight. I feel that this is recognition for the Central Island’s solid cruise program and our work with our local community partners, the DNBIA and Tourism Nanaimo and others to make all calls consistently exceptional.
“As usual, passengers will be enjoying local & regional shore excursions to the Alberni and Cowichan Valleys and the Qualicum area. In Nanaimo, Tourism Nanaimo Travel Counsellors greet passengers and point the way to photo opportunities with the RCMP in Red Serge, participation in noon, 1PM and 2PM Cannon Firings at our historic Bastion plus Shakespeare by the Sea in the Waterfront Plaza sponsored by the Nanaimo Port Authority and Tourism Nanaimo. Complimentary shuttles transport passengers from the cruise terminal through downtown where they engage local volunteers organized by the DNBIA. This contact with local culture including the downtown area, museums, galleries, eateries, the Farmers Market and walking tours receive positive passenger feedback on a consistent basis.
“We know that on average each cruise visit has an immediate impact of over $250,000 to the community and region. Also, passengers seriously consider our destination for a future multi-day visit.”
Celebrity Solstice Facts:
- The Celebrity Solstice is 1041 feet in length, with 12 decks and a cruising speed of 24 Knots. She carries approximately 2850 passengers with a crew of 1500.
- This stop is part of an 11 day cruise starting in Seattle, up through the Inside Passage to Ketchican, Skagway & Juneau Alaska, down to Victoria and up to Nanaimo, concluding in Vancouver.
- Onboard amenities include a large theater with a 1,400 seating capacity, multiple restaurant dining options, The Patio on the Lawn, numerous bars and clubs, Solstice Deck, youth facilities, Online@Celebrity. Some unique features include glass-blowing classes/demonstrations as well as The Lawn Club, a live grass lawn between the ship’s funnels on the upper deck
– The Nanaimo Port Authority is one of 18 Port Authority’s across Canada, established under the Canada Marine Act, to promote and support the National, Regional and local economy and to ensure a safe and secure harbor for cargo operations.
