Pearl Mist passengers and staff
Shelburne Nova Scotia might hail itself as the "little town that could" after a successful debut Thursday as a cruise ship destination.
More than 150 passengers of the Pearl Mist cruise ship wandered about the Historic waterfront, some of theme escorted by costumed characters from the 18th century, when the Town was founded.
The three museums in the district were busy, as were restaurants and shops and the visitors centre.
Visitor Information Centre head Hazel Keddy said that dozens of Pearl Mist passengers flocked to the Center, looking for more information about the Town's history and tips about where to eat lunch.
The Sea Dog restaurant provides on the waterfront so plenty of business from the ship, according to owner Allan Reid.
The shops on Water Street also saw the effects of the ship, with passengers ducking into the Whirligig Book Shop and Gallery 138. Hooked GastroPub also saw visitors from the ship.
Flower and gift shop Thistle Dew Nicely had a special promotion offering a free gift to any Pearl Mist passengers who could show a boarding pass.
Keddy said that passengers came very well prepared for the visit, having read about the Town on board or via the internet. "Quite a few of them were staying in Nova Scotia after getting to Halifax and were checking out what to do and see in other parts of Nova Scotia."
She did mention that, despite having prior knowledge, many of the passengers were "amazed at how pretty the Historic District was."
The visit is part of a New England Maritimes cruise, which sees the ship in Lunenburg on Friday and Halifax on Saturday.
In September, UK-based Balmoral visits the Town with its 1300 passengers being ferried ashore in smaller boats.
The Pearl Mist visit was the first cruise ship in Shelburne in decades.
See more Shelburne info: www.ShelburneNovaScotia.com
