First cruise ship of season arrives in P.E.I. Monday

Cruise ship season on P.E.I. begins Monday with the arrival of Veendam in Charlottetown.

Port officials say 58 cruise ships are coming this season, down slightly from last year because a couple of ships were redeployed elsewhere.

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Eight of the cruise ships are visiting the Island for the first time, including a Japanese vessel in June that's making Charlottetown its only stop in Canada.

"It's called the Peace Boat-The Ocean Dream, and it's a really different type of vessel," said Corryn Morrissey, the business development manager for Port Charlottetown.

"It is predominantly Japanese passengers on board. It is a world cruise and they do a lot of educational seminars."

There are a number of improvements to the seaport this year, including more vendor space and an expansion of the cafe. The visitor information centre has been moved from Founders Hall to the old Stonehouse on Water Street.

An open house is being held Monday for those interested in checking out the shops and pedestrian area.

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