Much has changed at the Pool 6 since the Viking Octantis first arrived in the city a year ago.

Tourism Thunder Bay Manager Paul Pepe says he loves how the terminal has come together and credits the city’s engineering department.

“They’ve created just an incredibly functional and secure facility, which is what the ships want first and foremost,  but the sit aesthetics have been improving so the lighting, the trails, the landscaping, it your know creates a park like setting, which is just ideal, for the cruise ship.”

Those improvements were also noticed by the Octantis’ Captain Hàkan Gustavsson, especially the new fenders and infrastructure work at the dock itself, making docking much easier.

“This is the best one I must say, some of the other docks is just a concrete pier and so on, so you have to be very careful when you’re docking. So yeah this is very smooth to dock here.”

Conservatively its expected the cruise ships will have an economic impact of $2.7 million this year, which is already being seen according to Pepe, as he spoke with guests who arrived in the city early.

“They’re loving the fresh air, their loving the waterfront, and the food scene. They went out for dinner last night a recommendation from the hotel, the hotel front desk gave them a whole list of must eat places while they’re in town. That’s exciting to see is that this couple, we’re starting to see the guest come in a day or two early, which is what we want to see.”

At total of 14 visits from multiple cruise lines are expected to arrive in the city this summer, with plans already in the works to increase that number by 10 for 2024.

Meanwhile Mayor Ken Boshcoff says the city already plays host to a number of cargo vessels throughout the year and now with cruise ships becoming a regular sight in the Thunder Bay harbour it indicates an expansion of the potential for the waterfront.

Specifically he notes it has sent many of the naysayers into hiding and built up a sense of pride for the city.

“People are proud to show their city off, it is intangible but it demonstrates that things can change and that we can do it if we put our mind together.”

The Octantis will stay moored at Pool Six until Saturday when she will set sail to tour the Great Lakes, stops of which will include a first time visit to Battle Island and excursions into Rossport.