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Column: Great Lakes cruise frequently asked questions

ESCANABA — Since American Queen Voyages (AQV) announced in February that our waterfront community would be included on their Great Lakes Excursion route, our enthusiastic community has asked many questions about what to expect while the ships are docked in Escanaba.

The following are answers to the most frequently asked questions:

Where do the ships originate? The two cruise ships that dock in Escanaba are part of the Great Lakes destination cruise that includes Mackinac Island. According to the information online, the voyages start in Chicago, Toronto, or Milwaukee.

How did AQV choose Escanaba? They were looking for one more port and did a simple Google search and decided to explore Escanaba as a possible stop on their Great Lakes excursion. The first contact to the Chamber to determine community interest was in October 2022. They are impressed with the willingness of everyone involved to make this a great experience for their guests.

Where can we see the ships? The dock location is at North Shore Logistics, along 1st Avenue North in Escanaba. North Shore Logistics will provide the necessary ship services while they are docked.

What has been planned so far? The two ships, each holding up to 202 passengers will make a combined total of 26 stops in Escanaba from mid-May to the first of October. The AQV organizers contacted some retail establishments, the museums, art center, and North Shore Logistics for docking. They are a private company making all the decisions for shore activities.

Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours – AQV has chartered buses to ride a continuous route throughout the Escanaba downtown district to the fairgrounds. Currently, there are four stops planned for pick up/drop offs at Sayklly’s, Commerce Center, Sand Point Lighthouse, and the Bonifas Arts Center. We are suggesting additional stops along the route to improve walkability. Although, we have been assured by AQV that the guests on the cruise ships won’t be challenged by Escanaba’s mile-long main street.

Some of our “It’s a Shore Thing” excursion suggestions to AQV that are being considered are a craft beer and wine trail and guided bike tours, Island Resort and Casino and Northern Sun Winery excursion, kayaking, logging rolling in the Steam and Gas Engine Village as a premium (additional fee) event, etc.

Cultural Experience – The Woodland Sky Dancers will perform at the Heritage Center in Harris.This is included in the price of the cruise. Guests will not pay extra for the experience.

Picture Rocks – A bus will transport guests from Escanaba to kayak in Munising.

What can businesses do to get involved? AQV suggests that businesses should be Ship Friendly and offer flexible hours of operation during the scheduled stops, offer specials, welcome guests, and submit promotional materials to the Chamber that can be shared with AQV guests.

What are the economic impact projections? According to AQV, communities such as Escanaba experience a $1.25 million impact derived from guest and operational spending.

What needs to be done yet?

Step on guides are needed for the hop on hop off bus route – training will be provided by AQV and the Chamber.

Finally, if you want more information on ways to take advantage of the opportunity to serve those on the cruise ships, plan to attend a workshop next Tuesday, March 21 at the Chamber beginning at 1:30 p.m. The workshop shouldn’t last longer than an hour.

Thank you for your enthusiasm and support. You continue to make our waterfront community shine for those who visit by land or water!

——

Vickie Micheay is executive director of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce

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