NB 1122
Nov. 26, 2003
MIRAMICHI (CNB) - The Caledonia, Canada's newest and largest tall ship, will take visitors to the Miramichi, Bathurst and Caraquet ports next summer as part of the Quebec Maritime-Acadian coast cruise.
The announcement was made today by Tourism and Parks Minister Joan MacAlpine and Canadian Sailing Expeditions President Doug Prothero.
The largest sailing ship built in North America in the last 100 years, Caledonia is a 73.5-m. (245-ft.) barquentine that can accommodate up to 80 guests and a crew of 20. The ship is owned and operated by Canadian Sailing Expeditions of Halifax, N.S.
The ship will introduce vacationers to the excitement and comfort of expedition-style cruising. Prothero, who is also the captain of the Caledonia, is convinced this experience will be attractive to vacationers. "The Caledonia offers a unique alternative to contemporary cruising programs, which are often over-crowded with inescapable group activities in large ports," he said.
As part of their cruising expeditions for 2004, the company will offer two seven-day cruises which will include the northern coast of New Brunswick. Miramichi will be the stop and start port, but the Caledonia will also make stops in Bathurst and Caraquet.
"This is great news for New Brunswick as we work toward expanding and diversifying the cruise ship sector in the province," MacAlpine said. "This new cruise will offer a unique adventure in travel while providing a showcase of the rich Acadian and coastal products New Brunswick has to offer."
The departure dates for the Maritime Quebec - Acadian Coast cruise will be June 13 and 20 from Miramichi. Vacationers will embark in Miramichi and travel to Gaspé, then on to Bathurst and Caraquet for two full days to immerse themselves in the local culture. The ship will then travel back to Miramichi where vacationers will be treated to a home-style kitchen party and disembark the next day.
This cruise is part of a series of expeditions offered by Canadian Sailing Expeditions that will see the Caledonia traveling to coastal communities in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
03/11/26
MEDIA CONTACTS: Alain Bryar, communications, Tourism and Parks, 506-444-4454; Randy Letto, Canadian Sailing Expeditions, 902-429-1474.
03/11/26