The Maasdam arrived in Charlottetown on Sunday

The first cruise ship of the season arrived in Charlottetown on Sunday and this has retailers excited.

The manager of Coastal Culture says that business doubles on days when cruise ships are in port.

"It's huge," said Jen Cameron. "They ask lots of questions. They ask where the best places are, it brings awareness to the whole Island. They always ask where to go and everyone wants to take something home with them."

She says T-shirts, postcards and small souvenirs are the hot sellers.

Holland America's Maasdam docked this morning and American passengers tell CBC they're happy to escape hot weather.

Several passengers said there was a virus on the boat that made some ill. However, it doesn't appear to be serious.

The ship was carrying a total of 1,200 passengers.

A cruise ship scheduled to come into Charlottetown on Friday was cancelled.

The start of the season has been slower than usual in several Maritime ports, due to ice in the water.

About 70 ships are expected in P.E.I. this year. Cruise ship season runs until mid October.