The Ogden Point Land & Sea Mural
The Ogden Point Breakwater Land and Sea Mural was blessed on September 24, 2009.
A creative gateway into the history and culture of the two local first nations, the mural is a result of the partnership between Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations.
Artists Butch Dick and Darlene Gait created the artwork for the mural. Each artist produced a series of based on centuries-old Songhees and Esquimalt art traditions combined with contemporary elements. Butch Dick's images connect with the "Sea" theme, which includes Salmon, Seal, Octopus, and the Sea Monster. Darlene's images represents the "Land" theme which includes the Cougar, Deer, Raven and Eagle.
Woven together, the imgages of land and sea reflect the breakwater's natural and cultural setting at Victoria harbour's gateway.
Disney & Crystal sail to Alaska in 2011
For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line will sail to Alaska in the summer of 2011.
The Disney Wonder will depart out of Vancouver sailing a total of 18 seven night cruises and calling on ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway and Tracy Arm. The first cruise is scheduled to depart on May 3rd with the last cruise scheduled for August 30th.
Crystal Cruises has also announced an Alaska itinerary for 2011. The Crystal Symphony will use San Fransisco as it's home port.
You can find more information on these cruise lines at the following links:
Disney : http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/
Crystal : http://www.crystalcruises.com/
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Releases 2008 Stewardship Report
Royal Caribbean recently released its 2008 Stewardship Report which highlights the company's industry-leading environmental initiatives in areas such as energy, air emissions, wastewater, solid waste and chemical management, community involvement and conservation, destination and education. These efforts influence all areas of the company, including safety and security, as well as medical and public health.
The goal of this report is to present the company's proactive approach to environmental issues in a clear and straight forward way. Some of the highlights of the report include an overview of the company's 40 year history of environmental activities, which was formalized with the creation of Save The Waves program that began in 1992.
You can view the full 2008 Stewardship Report at the following link :
http://www.royalcaribbean.com/envSitelet.do
The Federal Government Announces Support for Nanaimo Cruise Terminal
On Tuesday September 8th the federal government announced that it will join with the Provincial of BC and contribute $8.5 million towards the proposed floating cruise dock and terminal on Nanaimo's waterfront.
Passengers will disembark directly onto the floating dock and walk to the official welcome centre. From there, they can walk into downtown Nanaimo or board buses to experience mid-Island shore excursions and activities.
Current plans call for a 330-metre floating dock connected to a 133-metre terminal at an estimated total cost of $22 million. Scheduled to be completed in time for the 2011 cruises season, the dock will be able to accomodate some of the largest cruise ships in the world. The project will employ 70 to 75 people during construction.
Alaska Cruise Association Sues State Over Passenger Tax
The Alaska Cruise Association filed suit in federal court on Thursday September 17, 2009 arguing that the state's head tax on cruise passengers is unconstitutional.
The state started collecting the $46 per person tax in 2008. The lawsuit claims that the 2006 voter initiative that led to the cruise taxes and laws, set out from the beginning to illegally discriminate against out-of-state interests.
According to the lawsuit, the Legislature has improperly used the tax revenue to fund millions of dollars worth of projects unrelated to cruise or cruise passengers.
Federal law dictates that states can collect "reasonable fees" to pay the cost of service to a vessel, ehance the safety and efficiency of interstate and foreigh commerce; but that they cannot impose more than a "small burden" on that commerce.
Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America have already announced plans to reduce capacity in Alaska for 2010. Carnival has indicated that further reductions may occur in 2011 .
The cruise lines note that it is becoming increasingly difficult to make money in Alaska due to growing fees, taxes and regulations imposed on cruise companies by the state.
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