UK CRUISE SHIP MAKES LONG AWAITED STOP IN DIGBY
For the first time since 1996, the Port of Digby welcomed cruise ship visitors when the BALMORAL arrived on Thursday, October 15. Over 1000 passengers disembarked on a chilly autumn day, which did nothing to dim their enthusiasm and enjoyment!
Preparations for the Balmoral's visit had been ongoing for over a year by Cruisefundy, an organizing committee comprised of representatives from the Town of Digby, Digby Harbour Port Authority and marina, local RCMP, the Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency, as well as Mariport Group, the company which conducted the Digby Port Readiness Study (March, 2008). As a result of Cruisefundy's work and much community collaboration, visitors had a choice of five on-shore experiences created exclusively for the Balmoral, including tours to local wineries, the Bear River Cultural Centre, Annapolis Royal, Port Royal, and the Acadian shore.
The on-shore welcome began at 8 AM as the first wave of passengers is tendered to the marina. A team of official greeters led by Digby Mayor Ben Cleveland featured a traditional piper. Balmoral's officers and crew enjoyed a reception during which there was an exchange of plaques. Throughout the day, entertainment was provided by buskers and musicians along the waterfront, where local artists and artisans also presented their work. These activities created a lively marketplace, offering the kind of warm welcome for which the Annapolis Digby region is known.
ABOUT THE BALMORAL: Named after Balmoral Castle, Scottish home to the British Royal Family, this ship is equipped to carry up to 1,350 passengers and 510 crew members. The Balmoral measures 218 metres long and has a gross tonnage of 43,000. Constructed in Germany in 1988 for Royal Cruise Line, the vessel was sold to UK-based Fred Olsen in 2006. A 30-meter midsection, built to accommodate an additional 186 passenger and 53 crew cabins, was added in 2008. This reconstruction included new public areas designed specifically to appeal to the British cruise market.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:
Joy O’Neill, Economic Development Officer
Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency
Tel: (902) 638-8139
E: joneill@annapolisdigby.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:
www.fredolsencruises.com/our-ships/balmoral
www.mariport.com
www.annapolisdigby.com