Shelburne readies storm-damaged waterfront for 1st cruise ship in 4 years

Shelburne is ready to roll out the welcome mat on May 2 when the cruise ship Marinaand 1,200passengers sail into the historic harbour.

The sound of hammering and saws can be heard as crewsclean up Dock Street, which runs the length of the old waterfront.

Winter storms and storm surges caused extensive damage in early March, especially to the town's wharf where passengers will be brought ashore by a smaller boatonce Marinaanchors off the point in the harbour.

"The town dock took a bit of storm damage and we are working to have it ready for the visit," said Darren Shupe, Shelburne'smanager of community and economic development.

Shelburne isexcited to land thecruise ship this year. It's the first one to visit the town since 2014, and Shupehopes that willbuild to three or four ships by 2022.

"These are long-term processes," he said. "It's a slow, patient game to draw them back again."

But it's a game worth playing.

The cruise passengers are expected to have a direct economic impact of $60,000to the town.

"There's a lot of small communities vying for the attention of cruise ships," saidAllan Reid, who runsthe local saloon, The Sea Dog. "The fact that we have one is a big credit. We have a pretty town, I think it will sell itself and hopefully they'll be looking to come back."

Reid wasgetting ready to do storm repairs to the outside of the restaurant.

"I have to pretty the place up before the ship comes in," he said.

The cruise ship has spinoffs beyond Shelburnetoo.There are tours set for Lunenburg, Mahone Bay andjust down the road in historic Birchtown.

Vanessa Fells from the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre in Birchtown saidtours have long beenbooked.

"We've been getting emails since November, even before it was official," she said."Now everyone is excited. We are ecstatic there are people who want to come and learn about the Black Loyalists in the area. It's created a lot of buzz. If it goes well, it could bring more cruise ships to the area."

Buzzis good in the ultra-competitive tourism and cruise industry.

"It's a big deal and we're excited about it. It's great for tourism, great for the economy and supporting local businesses," said Chris Abbott, Shelburne'stourism and marketing manager.

Now, they just have tofinish repairs to the wharf so the visitors can land and see what Shelburne is all about.