Norwegian Cruise lines Norwegian Gem arrived this morning, and backed into pier 22. (Above) She was last here Last week, Also at pier 22, though tied up Port side to (Below, Coming off the pier)
Today Also Brought Visits By Veendam and Emerald Princess
The Smallest Cruise ship to regularly stop in Halifax, Yorktown is here for the morning. After dischargeing her passengers, she will likely re-supply and refuel, and then be off (Currently scheduled for 1330 today)
Yorktown Spent the summer cruising the great lakes, Spends the Fall on the Atlantic Coast, and then cruises the Caribbean in winter.
(Above) Massdam backs out of Pier 34 as Eurodam (bellow) comes off the pier. Massdam Headed Out to sea, While Eurodam rounded Georges.
(Below)Norwegian Gem, comes off the dock as well, after Eurodam
From the Press Release:
Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Graham Steele announced today, Aug. 13, the province will enter into negotiations with STM Quest Inc., a proposed joint venture between ST Marine Ltd. and Quest Navigation, to set up and run a ferry between Yarmouth and Portland, Maine.
Three companies submitted business plans to operate the ferry service from Yarmouth to Maine, beginning next year. The flexible process allowed the evaluation team to communicate with the companies, requesting more information, asking questions about the plans they submitted and meeting with each of them.
After the thorough process, the team chose to begin negotiations with STM Quest Inc.
“We would like to thank the government of the province of Nova Scotia for their confidence in selecting us to help restore this vital service,” said Steve Durrell, COO of Quest Navigation. “We would also like to assure all Nova Scotians that we will devote our efforts to delivering the best value and a world-class cruise ferry service that will benefit all the people of Nova Scotia and serve as a symbol that makes everyone proud.”
A team of representatives from the Nova Scotia International Ferry Partnership and the province evaluated the plans based on financial stability, a management structure with expertise and a history of managing successful ferry services, and tourism and marketing experience.
“It’s encouraging to see this process continue to move ahead on such an important transportation link,” said Keith Condon, co-chair of the Nova Scotia International Ferry Partnership. “Knowing the province is entering negotiations on a proposal that would see a ferry in Yarmouth in 2014 is good news for the community and we are looking forward to a final announcement.”
The province remains committed to investing up to $21 million over seven years to a qualified operator with a viable and sustainable business plan showing a viable service
For more on Quest’s Previous Proposal, See This Post
The province has received business plans from three companies interested in operating a ferry in Yarmouth. The deadline for proposals was Thursday, July 4. The companies that made submissions are Balearia Caribbean, Ltd., P and O Ferries and STM/Quest. STM/Quest also bid on the last ferry rfp (details of that bid Here) Balearia Caribbean is owned by spanish company Balearia – who operates ferries from florida to the Bahmas, and Gibralter to Africa. P&O Ferries, operates several vessels in the English Channel and Irish sea, and is a european contemporary to Marine Atlantic.
A team of representatives from the Nova Scotia International Ferry Partnership and government departments will evaluate the plans as quickly as possible. The plans will be assessed based on criteria similar to the request for proposals. Criteria include financial stability, a management structure with expertise and a history of managing successful ferry services, and tourism and marketing experience.
The ferry partnership continues to play a key role by providing expert advice, promoting the opportunity, contacting companies, acting as a local contact and now evaluating plans.
You can view the Request for Proposals Here (PDF)
Today brought the arival of Carnival Glory, on her first Cruise to Halifax of the year. Once again she will be a regular, making weekly stops.
The First Cruise Ship of the Season goes to Silversea Cruises ship Silver Whisper, who tied up at Pier 20 just after 0830 this morning. An regular apperer in Halifax, She will be back in the Fall.
Holand America Lines has doubled down on Halifax this year adding the Veendam to the existing weekly stop by the Maasdam. The Veendam looks scheduled to appear every 10 days or so, sailing a 14day round trip Quebec City to Boston, with the Maasdam every 5 sailing 14 day round trips out of Montreal and Boston. (Both are available as 7 day one way Cruises)
Pearl Seas Cruises appears to have accepted the ship Pearl Mist.
A statement on the Pearl Seas Website states:
“Pearl Mist left the shipyard in Canada on Saturday, April 13th. The ship is scheduled to arrive at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in the United States on April 17, 2013 for outfitting before going into service in the Spring of 2014”
Pearl Mist was built by Irving Shipbuilding, but on completion was rejected. the case went through the courts, and in the end was subject to a the contracts arbitration clause which found for Irving Shipbuilding.
(Above) USCG Patrol on the Intracoastal Waterway.
(Below) REM Poseidon, Offshore construction vessel.
