Catching the rays by the pool and
enjoying the scenery in the fiords
of Bay D'Espoir
Chief Misel Joe, Tracey Perry and
Mayor Jerome Power aboard as
guests of Captain Van Damme
At the Voyce Cove aquaculture site
The Chef and Captain purchase
Rainbow Trout as the vessel's
owner looks on.
Chief Misel Joe greets Captain Van
Damme in Conne River
A mini powwow for the visitors
Jean-Luc tries some smoked salmon
Le Levant at Francois
Doing the step dance at the time
in Francois
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From May 18th to May 25th,
various communities in the Coast of Bays Region welcomed the passengers of the cruise
ship, Le Levant. This visit was arranged by St. Pierre Tours, the Le Levant Owner and the
Newfoundland and Labrador Cruise Ship Authority. Within the Coast of Bays Region, the
Towns of Rencontre East, Harbour Breton, St. Alban's, Conne River and Coast of Bays
Corporation assisted the cruise organizers by providing a variety of activities for the
passengers while they were ashore. Other south coast communities involved in this visit
included Argentia, Monkstown, Burgeo and Francois. The purpose of this visit was to
discover Newfoundland's south coast and determine if the region offered sufficient product
quality to justify an annual visit. By all accounts the scenic quality of the south coast
was greatly appreciated, in particular the fiords. Also, the on shore cultural activities
and tours proved popular, be it a guided tour around Rencontre East, a visit to Sunny
Cottage, a visit to the aquaculture site in St. Alban's, or experiencing traditonal
Mi'kmaq ceremonies.
It was readily apparent why the Coast of Bays Region and the broader South Coast would
offer a tremendous opportunity for Cruise Ships. The accessibility to Eastern Seaboard of
the United States and proximity to St. Pierre & Miquelon (where this particular cruise
ship ultimately wishes to stage its cruises of Newfoundland). Furthermore, the isolated
communities which present visitors with a sense of what life was like, the dramatic fiords
that stretch for miles inland, and the cultural exchange as visitors are provided with the
opportunity to interact with local people all provide a most memorable experience.
In addition, future cruise ship itineraries could incorporate the many festivals that
celebrate the region's unique culture. These include the Powwow in Conne River, Tradition
by the Sea in Harbour Breton, the Ironskull folk Festival in Belleoram, the Rainbow Folk
Festival in Bay d'Espoir, the South Coast Folk Festival in St. Jacques, and the Rum
Runners Racket in Hermitage.
However, it was discovered that a lot of work and organization is necessary when
hosting a cruise ship. For many communities this was a first and lessons were learned
which we need to consider and prepare for future opportunities. Committees need to be
established to ensure that upon word of a cruise ship, plans and itineraries can be
initiated effectively and efficiently, ensuring that the quality of each visit is the
same. We need to be ready with options (i.e. should weather create a problem, or last
minute time constraints be imposed). We need to work with other regions along the south
coast to maximize the quality and diversity of the product being offered (i.e. offer a
variety of activities without duplication). And finally, we need to increase awareness of
this area as a cruise destination. What we have just experienced is a first step.
There is no more appropriate way to discover the Newfoundland coast and its people than
by that which has had such a fundamental impact on shaping our existence - the sea.
Atop Maiden Tea Hill in Burgeo
Exploring Sandbanks Park at Burgeo
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