The first of five scheduled American Cruise Line ships arrived in Chestertown Wednesday, May 11 with seventy-four passengers on board. The ships depart from Baltimore on a six or seven day excursion around the Chesapeake Bay. Other ports of call are Crisfield, Cambridge, Oxford, St. Michaels and Annapolis.
Under normal conditions, passengers are dropped off by launch at the town’s floating dock, but due to the extreme high tide the dock was under water. DCA President Nancy McGuire, Tourism Director Bernadette Van Pelt, and the ship’s cruise director spent a frantic hour searching for an alternate location. McGuire credits Chester River Landing for allowing the passengers to use their private dock, and Prince Limousine service for being, “…heroes of the day.” She added, “this is a great example of locals supporting one another.”
Visitors were greeted by staff at the Washington College Custom House, and along with perusing the shops and galleries, had the options of an Historical Society Tour and a tour of Ortiz Studios. In addition, the Prince Theatre Foundation sponsored an evening of music on board the ship with Mark Randall. The next scheduled visit is Sunday, May 15.
Joseph Mitchell says
Would the Spy please do a favor for some of us apparently out of the loop “down towners” and find out what the “planned schedule” is for the cruise passengers’ next arrival? That way, we won’t be stupidly anticipating increased visitors to our shops, restaurants, etc., …not realizing that special advance plans have been made to entertain these captive tourists. Silly us, thinking that all of the downtown businesses might actually have a chance to benefit from these cruise visits.
Jean Dixon Sanders says
You can try looking at their website. https://www.americancruiselines.com/destination.php?crn=17&act=i
Nancy McGuire says
The American Cruise Line visits to Chestertown have been a gracious way for the world to learn about our wonderful Town. Guests are from across the United States, England, France and other European Countries. They appreciate our efforts to welcome them and help them discover – in just three short hours – how Chestertown has been preserved and how it continues to have a dynamic and exciting lifestyle.
This past week American Cruise Line’s “The Spirit” visit required special effort for the launch was not able to get into any of the docks including the Yacht Club. Our floating dock was floating but it was surrounded by water. We were able to finesse permission to land at Chester River Landing including executing a written waiver of liability for between ACL and CRL and arrange for a van to transport. It all happened in less than an hour much to our delight. The passengers and crew were quite impressed with the smooth, creative solutions. Everyone stepped up to the solution including Chester River Landing (the CRL staff was located on Western Shore, at the time) and Prince Limo whose staff (I believe “Nancy” is normally the secretary) who ran home, changed clothes and used the last van they had available.
Bernadette Van Pelt of Tourism, the Custom House & Washington College, Bob Ortiz’s with his woodworking demonstration, Diane McDaniel of the Historical Society, Steve Mumford of New Yarmouth, Tours, Prince Threatre (who sponsors the music aboard in the evening), every shop owner & business (whether they are visited by a passenger or not) and residents on the streets ALL participate in these special fleeting occasions. The next visits are May 16th, May 25th, May 30th and June 8th.
Mr Mitchell: The Downtown Chestertown Association, an all volunteer business organization, is hosting the visits for the Town of Chestertown. We communicate to the community through membership e-groups messaging, press releases, ads, news articles and meetings. We welcome residents and businesses, alike, as members. As President, I can be reached at 410 778 9319 at our brokerage business of Maryland Heritage Properties for information on joining us so that you will feel “in the loop”.
Nancy McGuire
Joseph Mitchell says
Ms. McGuire: Thank you for the information. I didn’t realize that one needed to be a member of an organization such as DCA to be “in the loop” on Chestertown activities. I would have thought information on these events would be routinely made available to the general public and to businesses by the town. Now that I know DCA controls town events, I will indeed contact the Association.
MD Eastern Shore says
@Joseph: Hey Mr. Grouchy, you just got a really nice invitation. Instead of whining, why not volunteer to help the DCA get ready for the next visit? Or call the cruise company and start marketing your business NOW, while they’re writing the itinerary for the next visit? How hard is this?
Bill Matthews says
O que aconteceu com apreciação?
Bill Matthews says
What ever happened to appreciation?
Bill Matthews says
O que aconteceu com apreciação? Essas pessoas trabalham muito duro para esta cidade e isso é tudo que posso dizer! Que tal “Obrigado, mas ……..”
Bill Matthews says
And let the “Loop” work for you…. “Look Outside at Other Possibilities”
Liza Brocker says
Joseph don’t worry the cruise people never leave the ship If they do they don’t drink coffee , eat food, or buy wine love pete