THUNDER BAY — When vacationers crusing on Viking Octantis arrive at Silver Islet this Friday, they’re going to have a singular alternative to take an underwater tour.
The most important cruise ship on the Nice Lakes – and the primary to go to the Thunder Bay space in 10 years – carries two submersibles.
Every takes six passengers at a time, who’re positioned in revolving seats that present 270-degree views beneath the floor.
“That is a really distinctive expertise, one which I believe goes to generate loads of media consideration for them, and for us as a vacation spot,” says Paul Pepe, supervisor of tourism for the Metropolis of Thunder Bay.
In response to Pepe, the 378-passenger vessel operated by Viking Expeditions is one of many high 10 new cruise ships on the earth.
“It is being adopted very intently by all of the worldwide journey and cruise media, so it is actually put Thunder Bay in a worldwide media highlight within the tourism sector,” he stated Wednesday.
This yr the Viking Octantis is scheduled to make seven journeys to Thunder Bay, which the corporate chosen as a turnaround spot.
Meaning a brand new group of passengers will board the ship right here for its return voyage to Milwaukee after arriving passengers have toured town earlier than returning dwelling by air.
One other cruise ship, American Cruise Traces’ Ocean Navigator, will dock at Thunder Bay twice this summer season.
Each vessels will return subsequent yr, when they are going to be joined by one other Viking Expeditions ship, Viking Polaris.
Pepe stated the financial impression on town this yr alone will probably be very important.
“There is a vary of financial impacts which are broader than simply day-stops. Some friends are flying within the day-of or flying out the day-of. Others are staying within the space for an additional day or two and exploring.”
He stated spinoff advantages for native companies embrace resupplying the vessels with meals and different items, and offering floor transportation providers.
Tourism Thunder Bay estimates the general financial profit to town will vary between $3.6 and 5.6 million.
Vital enhancements have lately been made on the Pool 6 dock the place passengers will board and disembark.
Many of the concrete rubble left after the demolition of the grain elevator years in the past has been eliminated, and the bottom has been levelled.
Pepe stated a brand new accessible pedestrian path and bus turnaround have been constructed, and extra safety fencing has been erected.
“A tent will probably be arrange for luggage-handling on Friday, massive planters with timber have been delivered to the location. We have got non permanent fenders put in till the brand new ones arrived, we have got dock repairs and new bollards. So the location’s wanting good. It has been cleaned up fairly a bit.”
Pepe stated he is simply hoping that climate situations within the days forward are appropriate for rising the grass that was planted final week.
“It will likely be thrilling to see a cruise vessel again in the neighborhood this weekend,” he stated.
The Viking Octantis is anticipated to dock in Thunder Bay at 6 p.m. Friday.
It’s scheduled to go away the port at 5 a.m. Sunday.
Town has posted a discover on social media advising that entry to the ship in the course of the stopover will probably be restricted to friends and licensed personnel, and that parking is not going to be allowed alongside the street to Pool 6:
Given the dimensions and uniqueness of the Viking Octantis, we all know that many residents are desirous about seeing it up shut. Pool 6 is a federally regulated cruise facility, and entry to the vessel will probably be restricted to licensed personnel and friends solely. If residents and tourism companions want to view the ship in port, we ask that individuals park at Prince Arthur’s Touchdown and stroll or select one other vantage level offsite, like Hillcrest Park. Parking is not going to be allowed alongside the street to Pool 6 and visitors management will probably be in place to scale back congestion whereas the vessel is in port. The Alexander Henry museum ship will probably be operational and accessible in the course of the vessel keep. Residents are inspired to go to the Henry and the Waterfront District outlets whereas within the space as properly. (Metropolis of Thunder Bay)
