Author: Donna Ardizzoni

Volunteers needed to welcome cruise ship’s 2,000 guests

Almost 2,000 visitors will be coming to Cape Ann on Friday, disembarking from a large cruise ship, and the local Chamber of Commerce is seeking volunteers to greet them and offer information on local attractions.

The visitors are passengers on the MS Zuiderdam, a Holland America cruise ship, which will arrive in Gloucester on Friday, Sept. 9. The ship will return to Gloucester for two additional fall visits, on Saturday, Sept. 24, and Thursday, Sept. 29, according to the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce.

Approximately 1,800 passengers will be on board and an estimated 40 percent have pre-booked excursions, the chamber said. The remaining 1,000 vacationers will be shopping, dining, and visiting Gloucester’s and Rockport’s museums, attractions, shops and cultural districts.

On Friday, the first passengers coming in from the ship on tenders are expected to arrive on shore at Cruiseport Gloucester, 6 Rowe Square, at 9 a.m. and reach downtown Gloucester by 9:30 a, ■ , and Rocky Neck and Rockport by 10:30 a.m., the chamber said.

Volunteers are needed to help chamber representatives welcome this 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. CATAtrolleys 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 businesses will be offering special discounts and other promotions for cruise ship passengers. The chamber has created a “Welcome Zuiderdam Passengers” sign that business owners may download from http://www.capeannchamber.com and hang at 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 at welcomecruisers@gmail. com or Peter Webber peter@capeannchamber.com or 978-283-1601.