First cruise ship of the season docks in Charlottetown
P.E.I. set to welcome record number of cruise ships this year
Holland America's Maasdam tied up in Charlottetown Harbour early Sunday morning, marking the beginning of what's promising to be a record year for cruise ship visits to the city.
Corryn Morrissey of the Charlottetown Harbour Authority said they're expecting 57 cruise ships and more than 80,000 tourists this year. That's an increase of 18 ships from 2011.
"I think it's a matter of people realizing what we have to offer here as a destination, and the word is out. We're a great place to visit," Morrissey said
The Maasdam is carrying more than 1,200 passengers plus 600 crew members. Many spent the day touring the capital city.
"The entire Island is going to feel the benefits of this, specifically in the fall," Morrissey said. "We have two or three ship days where we're going to see anywhere from 5,000 to 8,000 passengers. That's a welcome sight to any island business in the off-season."
The ship is expected to leave Charlottetown Sunday night for the St. Lawrence River. The Maasdam is scheduled to return in just nine days with another set of passengers.