CRUISERS RECEIVE SWEET WELCOME

Posted on 08/05/2016 | About Nanaimo, British Columbia

Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity is calling at the Port of Nanaimo for the first time today and passengers will be treated to Nanaimo bar samples as well as getting a chance to have their photos taken with RCMP in Red Serge. They can also expect two canon firings at the town’s historic bastion.

All cruise ship passengers are greeted by Tourism Nanaimo Travel Counsellors and there is always a limited supply of the sweet treat when cruise ships arrive.
Nanaimo is home to the Great International World Championship Bathtub Race, which takes place in July in a race that involves a course beginning in Nanaimo Harbour and ending at Departure Bay.
Guests of the Crystal Serenity will be shown the ‘Big Tub’ and displays of racing tubs from the Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society.
“Our warm Central Vancouver Island welcome will be primed for this luxury ship call to our port,” said Bernie Dumas, president and CEO of Nanaimo Port Authority. “With feedback over the years that we host largest cruise ships very well, Crystal Serenity with 1,070 passenger capacity, is another line that we look forward to working with as our cruise programme evolves.”
The call in Nanaimo is from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm allowing passengers to visit the harbourside walkway, the Pioneer Waterfront Plaza and some museums.
There will be complimentary shuttle services from the cruise terminal to downtown Nanaimo where local volunteers give information about galleries, shops and dining venues, or walking tours.
“Crystal Serenity is a luxury-class cruise line designed to please a specific type of passenger,” said Dumas. “We are delighted that the company chose the Port of Nanaimo for our local and regional shore excursions to the Alberni and Cowichan Valleys including the Parksville - Qualicum area.”
The average immediate economic impact of this call is estimated to be more than $100,000.