Central Vancouver Island anticipates arrival of European-based MS Europa at Port of Nanaimo Friday June 2nd

Central Vancouver Island anticipates arrival of European-based MS Europa at Port of Nanaimo Friday, June 2nd
Jun 01, 2017
The MS Europa, will make its’ inaugural call in the Port of Nanaimo Friday June 2nd at 0700 hours. Bernie Dumas, President & CEO of the Nanaimo Port Authority, is looking forward to her visit which represents the first time Nanaimo will host Hapag-Lloyd Cruises in Central Vancouver Island. She is due to depart mid-afternoon at 1400 hours.

MS Europa

MS Europa was launched in 1999. The cruise ship is operated and owned by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and is the 4th vessel to carry the name Europa. The 28,890-ton, 408-passenger cruise MS Europa has been awarded “best cruise ship in the world” by Berlitz and Ward-Ranking for twelve years. MS Europa is extremely quiet and no vibration is felt onboard. The propellers and the electric motors are hung in pods beneath the hull which improves efficiency by pulling, and not pushing the Europa cruise ship through water. The 650 feet long vessel has a shallow draft allowing her to dock in spaces where larger ships are unable to.

Service level is a major factor for MS Europa high rankings. The ship claims highest ratio staff-topassenger in the industry – 280 multi-lingual, young staff serves 400 guests. The primary onboard language is German, English is second. Most of the guests are of German nationality.

The MS Europa will start her 15 day voyage on June 1st in Vancouver visiting Nanaimo first, then Portland, San Francisco, Monterey, San Diego, Ports in Mexico including Ensenada Baja California, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo and finishing in Acapulco – Mexico Riviera on June 15th.

“We are privileged to host Hapag-Lloyd Cruises with her well-travelled German based passengers on this beautiful luxury vessel,” states Bernie Dumas, President & CEO of the Nanaimo Port Authority. The MS Europa is an impressive ship and Nanaimo is her first port of call on this two week itinerary. For any inaugural call we present a custom plaque to the Captain on-board to mark this special occasion. It is important that we showcase our customary hospitality, which Nanaimo is known for, to inspire passengers to return to Central Vancouver Island. We can be proud that our community makes the most of these opportunities and can host a diverse sophisticated travel market through Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.”

The Cruise Line International Association released a 2016 economic analysis last month. With six major ship calls from various cruise lines to Nanaimo in 2017 the mid-island will enjoy an economic impact of $2.87 million from direct and indirect spending. These calls provide significant opportunities for Central Vancouver Island businesses.

As usual, passengers will be enjoying local & regional shore excursions including the Parksville – Qualicum area and the region around Nanaimo. As passengers arrive in the Cruise Ship Terminal, Travel Counsellors from Nanaimo’s Visitor Centre will greet passengers with Nanaimo Bar samplings and point the way to photo opportunities with the RCMP in Red Serge, the Big Tub and a miniature tub from the Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society. Cannon Firings at our historic Bastion are at 11AM, noon, and 1PM”.

Dumas continues: “Passengers can also take in the popular farmer’s market in the Pioneer Waterfront Plaza. Our complimentary shuttles transport passengers from the cruise terminal through downtown from 8AM to 1:30PM where they will engage with local volunteer hospitality ambassadors. Contact with local culture includes the downtown area, museums, galleries, eateries and walking tours which receive positive feedback. Often heard from passengers when they return to the terminal are comments such as ‘Nanaimo is… Beautiful, Charming, Fun, Friendly and Amazing!’ It is a real pleasure to know they enjoyed our destination and are leaving with positive memories of Central Vancouver Island.”

The Nanaimo Port Authority is one of 18 Port Authorities 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 harbour for cargo operations.

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For more Information Contact:
Bernie Dumas President & CEO – Nanaimo Port Authority 250-753-4146 [email protected]