Clelia II Arrives in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay, ON -- The Clelia II arrived in Thunder Bay today after completing a long journey to get here. The ship was completely overhauled in Europe, and left the Mediteranian Sea several weeks ago, headed to the St. Lawrence Seaway. The 290 foot long vessel can accommodate up to 100 guests in 50 suites, each of which affords a lake view. She is 290 feet in length with a beam of 50 feet and is staffed by 60 European officers and crew. Onboard amenities include a restaurant, two lounges with A/V facilities, library with Internet access, gym and spa, beauty salon, boutique, two sun decks, marble-appointed bathrooms and teak floors.

Clelia II is on her maiden voyage to the Head of the Lakes. This season kicks off a series of one-week/one-way trips between Toronto and Duluth. Throughout the summer, the Clelia II will return to Thunder Bay a total of six times. Legislation still on the books requires that passenger ships on the Great Lakes must alternate their ports of call between the United States and Canada.

"Cruise vessels have called on the Twin Ports periodically in recent years, but its been decades since weve enjoyed regular Great Lakes cruise service or served as a destination and/or origination hub. Maritime, government and tourism leaders have worked collaboratively for over a year to arrange this summer tour and look forward to welcoming the Clelia II and its crew and passengers.

A Voyage through North Americas Magnificent Inland Sea
Great Lakes Cruising reports, "Passengers traveling between Duluth and Toronto will experience the adventure of a lifetime: a first-class expedition aboard a lavishly appointed vessel, with educational and cultural opportunities unlike anywhere else in the world. In addition to these two port cities, passengers aboard the Clelia II will visit many points of interest on their voyage through all five Great Lakes, including:

Port Weller/Welland Canal/Niagara Falls
Little Current, Manitoulin Island, Ontari
Mackinac Island, Michigan/Soo Lock
Houghton/Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan
Thunder Bay, Ontario/Old Fort William

It is a rare opportunity to explore the Great Lakes in such an up-close, personal way, said Ron Johnson, Port Authority trade development director and treasurer of the Great Lakes Cruising Coalition. Passengers learn about the history, industry, communities and natural beauty of the Great Lakes from a unique and memorable perspective.

Early indications have the Clelia II returning to the Great Lakes in 2010 along with two other cruise lines, added Johnson. If thats indeed the case, cruising could have a huge economic impact on our region.

c 2009 Netnewsledger.com

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[TIZReporter]

This is the very first footage online of the Clelia II. She is docking in Thunder Bay. In the last shot is a traditional Aboriginal Tee-pee that was put in place through the efforts of Waabi-ma'iingan (Grey Wolf) Traditional Teaching Lodge and Opportunity Thunder Bay.