Royal Caribbean Line’s Explorer of the Seas’ Inaugural Call to Nanaimo on Wednesday May 18, Opens 2016 Cruise Season for Central Vancouver Island

Royal Caribbean Line’s Explorer of the Seas’ Inaugural Call to Nanaimo on Wednesday May 18, Opens 2016 Cruise Season for Central Vancouver Island
May 13, 2016
President & CEO of the Nanaimo Port Authority, Bernie Dumas anticipates a warm island welcome for the largest cruise ship to visit Nanaimo. The Explorer of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean Line flagship, calls Wednesday May 18th at 8AM to 5PM to the central island.

MS Explorer of the Seas is a Voyager-class cruise ship owned and operated by Royal Caribbean International, launched in 2000. She can accommodate 3,800 guests. In March and April 2015, Explorer of the Seas received major upgrades, including a replacement of the inline skating rink with a FlowRider® surfing simulator, an outdoor cinema screen, virtual balconies in interior rooms and even some delicious new dining choices.

RCL Explorer of the Seas

Dumas comments: “The Explorer of the Seas is one of the largest cruise ships calling in British Columbia with an impressive passenger capacity. If you are anywhere near the Nanaimo Harbour you won’t miss her. As usual, passengers will be enjoying local & regional shore excursions to the Alberni and Cowichan Valleys including the Parksville – Qualicum area. As passengers arrive in the Cruise Ship Terminal, Tourism Nanaimo Travel Counsellors greet passengers with Nanaimo Bar samplings and point the way to photo opportunities with the RCMP in Red Serge, the Big Tub and displays of racing Tubs from the Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society. Cannon Firings at our historic Bastion are scheduled for 11 AM, noon, and 1 PM”.

“Passengers can also take in the popular farmer’s market in the Pioneer Waterfront Plaza and a Classic Car Show in Diana Krall Plaza from 10 AM to 2 PM. Complimentary shuttles transport passengers from the cruise terminal through downtown where they engage local volunteers organized by the DNBIA. Contact with local culture include the downtown area, museums, galleries, eateries and walking tours which receive positive passenger feedback on a consistent basis.”

“Economically, each cruise visit has an immediate impact of over $250,000 to the region. Also, passengers seriously consider our destination for a future multi-day visit.”

Explorer of the Seas Facts:
Explorer of the Seas is 1020 feet in length with a beam of 156 feet, draft of 27 feet with 15 decks and a cruising speed of 24 Knots.
She carries approximately 3,800 passengers with a crew of 1180.
She is on an 5 day cruise starting in Seattle, to Victoria and up to Nanaimo, concluding in Seattle.
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 cruise.npa.ca