The second cruise ship to visit Thunder Bay has arrived and while the turnover will be much shorter than the Viking Octantis’ stay last month, guests and crew the Hanseatic Inspiration will still get to see parts of Thunder Bay.

Tourism Manager Paul Pepe says the opening of the Dockside Market at the Transportation Museum of Thunder Bay, will help those looking for something with an expedited schedule.

“I went down there today and passengers from the ship are trickling over there to check things out. So its nice for them to have that option close by the vessel that they can go explore local artisans and local businesses to show their wares and hopefully purchase some things as mementos of Thunder Bay.”

Pepe notes many of the passengers on board the Hanseatic Inspiration are from Europe and are focused on getting of the ship and exploring the various ports of call.

More improvements have been made at the Pool Six area since the Octantis departed just over a week ago, but everything was noticed by Captain Jörn Gottschalk.

He was most particularly impressed by the changes to the area, as this is a return voyage for him, having arrived in 2011 on another cruise ship.

“Lot of changes here on the jetty, we really appreciate all these improvements, also from the nautical point of view good fenders here, also the bollards here are very safe now also.”

The Inspiration is taking a quick stopover in the city before setting sail bound for Battle Island before heading down to Sault Ste. Marie according to Gottschalk.

An exchange of gifts between the City of Thunder Bay and the crew of the Hanseatic Inspiration on June 5th/2023 (Adam Riley / Acadia Broadcasting)