THUNDER BAY — Two weeks after a visit from Viking Octantis, this weekend it will be Ocean Navigator's turn to bring hundreds of cruise ship passengers to see the sights in Thunder Bay.
The 202-passenger, five-deck vessel is scheduled to arrive at the Pool 6 dock at 11 a.m. Sunday.
Operated by American Queen Voyages, it has 101 suites and staterooms, two dining venues and two lounges, and carries a crew of 84.
Ocean Navigator is much different from Viking Octantis in that it was designed to look similar to the classic American steamboats of the late 19th century.
At about 310 feet, it's less than half the length of Octantis – the largest cruise ship on the Great Lakes – but city tourism manager Paul Pepe says it's actually not much smaller than the cruise ships that docked in Thunder Bay 10 and more years ago.
"It's a wonderful vessel with all upgraded interiors. I had the opportunity to board it in Toronto two years ago. It's coming here from Duluth and passengers will clear customs here at the port before the guests go ashore," Pepe said.
The visitors will have almost 12 hours to tour the area before Ocean Navigator leaves Thunder Bay late Sunday evening.
Pepe said guests will have a choice of three different motor coach excursions, but he expects some will choose to do walking tours.
"Our tourism staff will be down at the dock, helping those who want to explore on their own," he said, adding that those on the bus tour will likely see attractions such as Fort William Historical Park, Kakabeka Falls and Ouimet Canyon.
Since it's only making a day stop in the city, Ocean Navigator won't have the servicing requirements that Octantis did during its Friday-to-Sunday stay.
Pepe said "there are a lot of moving parts" with a turnaround stop and the logistics for handling passengers and servicing over two days, whereas with a day stop a vessel requires relatively minor servicing.
"Sometimes with a day stop, the vessel will pick up some local food to serve in its restaurant, and some other minor supplies. We anticipate it will be a fairly straightforward port call."
He added that learning how to accommodate the return of cruise ships, and working with two companies, is somewhat of an evolutionary process for everyone.
"We all work closely together with the companies to fine-tune the shore experience as we go throughout the summer, and maximize the opportunities for the community."
Ocean Navigator will make a second and final trip to Thunder Bay on June 26, but on that occasion it will have to dock at Keefer Terminal.
That's because Viking Octantis will be tied up at Pool 6 that weekend during the second of its seven scheduled visits this summer.
