Brian Rowell Daily Press The American Queen Voyages cruise ship Ocean Navigator and its approximately 200 passengers arrived in Escanaba Sunday morning. It is the first of 28 visits by cruise ships planned here over the summer and fall.

ESCANABA — Passengers and crew of the the first American Queen Voyages cruise ship to dock in Escanaba received a warm welcome from local dignitaries and residents Sunday morning. A large crowd gathered at North Shore Marine Terminal & Logistics Dock — behind the Escanaba Public Library — to greet the

American Queen Voyages cruise ship Ocean Navigator and its approximately 200 passengers to the city.

By 8:30 a.m., a steady stream of passengers was coming ashore. They hailed from throughout the county — from New York to Portland, Oregon. Many said they were eager to explore the area throughout the day.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held in honor of the first visit with Nick Kobasic of North Shore Marine Terminal & Logistics cutting the ribbon. Delta County Board Chairman Dave Moyle welcomed the visitors. He told them that they were going to experience a beautiful area that has more freshwater coastline than any other county in the nation.

A brief ceremony was also held were the ship’s captain was given the key to the city by Escanaba Mayor Mark Ammell. Also giving welcoming remarks were State Senator Ed McBroom, State Representative Dave Preston and Nick Kobasic of North Shore Marine Terminal & Logistics.

The cruise ships will be docking regularly at North Shore Marine Terminal & Logistics throughout the summer and fall.

When passengers left the ship they were given a gift bag put together by local businesses and the Delta County Chamber of Commerce.

Buses were waiting for the ship’s passengers to take them to a variety of destinations in the area.

Passengers were able to take a “Hop On Hop Off” bus route, moving passengers along Ludington Street to the Upper Peninsula State Fairgrounds. Guests had the choice to hop on and hop off the bus at various locations on the route.

In the afternoon, the bus took guests to the Potawatomi Heritage Center in Hannahville with a cultural experience provided by the Woodland Sky Native American Dance Company and a stop at the Island Resort and Casino in Harris.

There was also an afternoon craft beer and wine bus tour with stops at Leigh’s Garden Winery, Hereford and Hops, Upper Hand Brewery, and Northern Sun Winery.

Passengers could also take a U.P. Timber Life excursion with a tour of the MSU Upper Peninsula Forestry Innovation Center to learn about the production of maple syrup, tour the maple sugarhouse, and sample maple syrup and candy. The U.P. Timber Life excursion concluded at the Steam and Gas Engine with the Great Lakes Timber Show.

After Sunday’s visit, the next date that AQV cruise ships will be docked in Escanaba is Thursday, May 18. The ships will visit on various days running through Oct. 2. Each ship will hold up to 202 passengers per trip. The cruise line’s 28 visits will have a projected economic impact of $1.25 million to the Escanaba area.