Picture: Easy Voyage

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ Balmoral was the first ship in history to call into Trois Rivières in the Mauricie region of Quebec, Canada on 20 September with 1,200 passengers and 500 crew aboard.

Local dignitaries were welcomed onboard the ship including; Trois Rivières Mayor Yves Lévesque, Innovation et Développement économique Trois Rivières general manager Yves Marchand and port CEO Gaétan Boivin for a traditional ceremony celebrating the event.

“I have met many passengers since this morning and I have heard only positive comments,” Mr Lévesque said.

“They find Trois Rivières clean and welcoming. I feel that this day is a great success.”

Mr Marchand went on to say, “We are confident that this good first impression means the experience will be repeated in the future.”

A team of 70 people, including volunteers, was assembled to welcome passengers, offer security assistance and guided tours with a dozen local producers offering free samples of regional delicacies.

“We are proud to have convinced the Fred Olsen Cruise Line to trust us,” Tourisme Trois Rivières director Yolande Masse said.

“Today was a first, but I am convinced that this is just the beginning.”

Additional scheduled ship visits include Quest for Adventure on 25 September and Seabourn Sojourn in September 2013.

Originally written by Natalie Aroyan for e-Travel Blackboard