PORT ANGELES — It’s time to put out the welcome mat.
Two cruise ships are scheduled to stop in Port Angeles this spring — one April 18, the other May 11 — and the city’s tourism and business promoters are planning activities, trips and a warm welcome for the thousand-plus visitors expected.
“We like hosting our floating buddies,” said Mary Brelsford, Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau communications manager.
As in past cruise ship stops, the tourists will be greeted at Terminal 1 adjacent to Westport Shipyards by vendors and volunteers who will direct them to shuttles and activities around Port Angeles.
Brelsford said a cultural tour will be offered, with shuttle stops at the Lower Elwha Klallam Heritage Center, Olympic National Park Visitor Center and the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center.
A salmon bake at the Heritage Center is also in the works.
“We really want to show them our authentic Port Angeles experience,” Brelsford said.
The cruise line, Holland America, will also schedule day trips for passengers, though nothing has been announced.
On April 18, the Zuiderdam will arrive carrying up to 2,272 passengers on their way to Hawaii from Seattle.
It will be the first cruise ship docking in Port Angeles since 2010.
The smaller, Oosterdam, will arrive May 11 as part of a “repositioning cruise.” It can carry up to 1,848 passengers.
The ship will be on from the Caribbean to Seattle, where it will be stationed for voyages to Alaska.
The cruise ships are a boon for most downtown merchants, said Barb Frederick, Port Angeles Downtown Association Executive Director.
“It means a lot of people on the sidewalk,” she said. “It’s really heartwarming for us to see.
“It shows off our town so they will come back.”
Brelsford said more volunteers still are needed to greet passengers.
Those interested can attend planning meetings at 3:30 p.m. Thursday and 5:30 p.m. March 20 at the Port of Port Angeles public meeting room, 338 W. First St.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
