OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Local officials are hoping, in the future, to get Old Orchard Beach on the itinerary as a side excursion for cruise ships going to Portland.
Old Orchard Beach Town Planner Jeffrey Hinderliter and Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce Director Bud Harmon met with state officials and those in the cruise industry last week. There was discussion on whether getting cruise ships into town was an option, and it was decided that for now, the best way to tap into the industry was to bus cruise ship patrons from Portland to Old Orchard Beach, and make Old Orchard Beach an optional side trip.
Discussions are very preliminary, said Harmon and Hinderliter, and Hinderliter said he hopes to have an arrangement in place next year.
Hinderliter said he and Harmon will be working on a package to give to cruise industry representatives that would include an itinerary of scheduled activities such as a lobster bake or a history tour.
“I have confidence that we can make a real attractive package so the cruise industry will want to make us a destination,” said Hinderliter.
Harmon said that before moving forward, they have to make sure that local businesses are on board.
Cruise ships make trips to New England and Canada in September and October, and tapping into this market could help bring more visitors downtown in the shoulder season, said Harmon.
Officials are also looking at the possibility in the future of getting cruise ships into Old Orchard Beach. The water in Old Orchard Beach is not currently deep enough and is too rough for large cruise ships, said Harmon, though there may be the possibility of smaller cruise ships in the future.
Hinderliter said cruise lines such as Blount Small Ship Adventures have ships that carry about 100 passengers and the capability of dropping a ramp and unloading people directly onto shore.
State Rep. George Hogan said there have been discussions in the past regarding getting the town working with the cruise industry, and he thinks it’s a good idea and would help the local economy.
“These people are on vacation,” said Hogan. “They’re ready to spend money.”
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.
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