TOP OF LAKE SUPERIOR – The Clelia II is the first cruise ship in modern history to visit Nipigon Bay, and a boatload of fun celebrations are planned in Red Rock every day the ship is in port! The volunteer committee sees the ship as an opportunity to attract visitors to the area from surrounding communities, and events for the public are being just as carefully planned as the cruise ships tours themselves.
Visitors to Red Rock will enjoy a pickerel fish fry, artisan’s displays, wine tasting, and tours of Nipigon Bay by boat or the Paddle to the Sea Park in Nipigon. In the evenings enjoy entertainment. Some events are free to the public and others available for a reasonable fee.
With 100 passengers arriving ten times this summer, local businesses are working together to prepare for passengers, travellers and residents of the Nipigon and Red Rock area every time the ship is in port.
Volunteer and business owner Levina Collins says, “The opportunity to greet the cruise ship is creating exciting new business opportunities for businesses to work together!” The Pickerel Dinner is a great example. The head chef is Gus of Gus’ Restaurant in Nipigon, with the rest of the meal prepared jointly by The Red Rock Inn, Skandia House Bed and Breakfast and the Quebec Lodge.
Everyone is anticipating the historic moment on Thursday, June 24th at 12:00pm, when the Clelia II cruise ship arrives in Nipigon Bay. The port of call is the Red Rock Marina, and passengers will be ferried to the marina in small boats. The arrival will be followed by welcoming of the passengers and the crew with a presentation by the Mayor of Red Rock to the captain of the ship at 12:30pm.
For more information, visit www.topoflakesuperior.com/cruiseships/