Ahoy! Cruise ship season sets sail with 1st boat in port Friday

The first cruise ship of the 2024 season is expected to make port in Sault Ste. Marie on Friday, the city says.

Roberta Bondar Park will be host to several cruise ship visits this summer and early fall, the city said in a release.

"The ships that come into port will be bringing approximately 3,500 visitors combined to Sault Ste. Marie this season," the city said.

Ship visits vary from early morning arrival to late evening departures depending on the vessel's direction, according to the city.

The city added that before a ship’s visit and until departure, Transport Canada outlines security regulations that, as a port facility, the city must adhere to.

These regulations require fencing to be put up along the waterfront portion of the Hub Trail in front of the Roberta Bondar Pavilion to secure this area from the public, according to the city.

Signage is also in place denoting the restricted area.

An alternate route for the public is to walk under the Roberta Bondar Pavilion which connects to the Hub Trail on both sides, the city said.

Ship visits are this Friday, May 31, as well as June 7, July 20, 27, Aug. 11, 18, 25, and Sept. 1, 16, and 23.

"The public is welcome to visit the Roberta Bondar Park to view the ships, however, they are asked to be respectful of the regulations while the ships are in port," the city said.