VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP WELCOME CRUISE SHIP VISITORS
The ms ZUIDERDAM, a Holland America cruise ship, will be arriving in Gloucester on Friday, September 9, 2016. Holland’s America’s Zuiderdam will return to Gloucester for two additional fall visits, on Saturday, September 24 and Thursday, September 29.
Approximately 1,800 passengers will be on board and an estimated 40% will have pre-booked excursions. The remaining 1,000 vacationers will be shopping, dining, and visiting Gloucester’s and Rockport’s museums, attractions, shops and cultural districts.
On Friday, September 9 the first cohorts of passengers coming in from the ship on tenders are expected to arrive on shore at Cruiseport at 9:00AM and reach downtown Gloucester by 9:30 AM and Rocky Neck and Rockport by 10:30 AM
Volunteers are needed to help us welcome this important group to Gloucester and Cape Ann.
At Cruiseport’s upper entrance there will be eight tables staffed by volunteers with a wide array of local maps and brochures. CATA trolleys will be on hand to transport visitors around downtown Gloucester and CATA buses will be available to take passengers on their regular routes to Rocky Neck and Rockport. CATA will be selling all-day passes for their trolleys and buses for $3.
All other Cape Ann area transportation companies (e.g. taxis, rental car agencies, tour services, etc.) are being alerted to the ship’s arrival and will be invited to transport cruise ship passengers to all Cape Ann locations.
Many local will be offering special discounts and other promotions for cruise ship passengers, and all are encouraged to visit www.capeannchamber.com to download a “Welcome Zuiderdam Passengers” sign for their business entrance.
The Cape Ann Chamber is working collaboratively with the city of Gloucester, CATA, Discover Gloucester, Cruiseport and downtown merchants in Gloucester and Rockport to help make these visits memorable and fun experiences for all and build the demand for more cruise ships to visit Cape Ann.
For more information or if interested in volunteering people are encouraged to contact Lorre Anderson (welcomecruisers@gmail.com) or Peter Webber peter@capeannchamber.com, 978-283-1601).
