Here are some photographs of our welcome to Saguenay, Quebec, Canada, yesterday as the 100 call to the port. It was a very special event in picture-perfect conditions.
Our guests were overwhelmed by the welcome we received. A folklore show was awaiting our arrival and Hotel Director Ron Bontenbal and I were welcomed by the local dignitaries including the mayor of Saguenay.
The vessel received a beautiful painting and we returned the gesture with an inaugural Delft plate.
Captain Keijer and Saguenay Mayor Jean Tremblay cutting the cake.
A local performer sings for the group.
Hotel Director Ron Bontenbal and Captain Keijer greet Saguenay Mayor Jean Tremblay.
I visited Saguenay in 2010 when I sailed aboard the Maasdam. One of my most fond cruise memories is the very warm welcome that we received from the citizens of the community after we disembarked the ship. I am pleased to know that they are still glad to receive cruise guests.
Bonjour/Hello
Thank you Holland America Blog Team for posting this nice story as concerns the ms Eurodam
and her recent Port visit to La Baie in the Saguenay region.
It sseems only fitting that the lovely ms Eurodam should find herself to be once again honored as the 100th ship to visit this Port.
We happened to be onboard the ms Eurodam a number of years ago, on a voyage from N.Y.C to Quebec City, and during her visit to Saguenay, the local residents and dignitaries turned out in full force to greet and honor the arrival of the Eurodam and held special inaugural ceremonies for the official opening of the new cruise terminal and dock.
I would like to mention that the voyage up and down the Saguenay river onboard the ms Eurodam was simply terrific and I look forward to the moment when I can repeat this trip.
Alexander proud Holland America Mariner Society Member
We just returned (October 2013) from the Fall Colors New England/Canada tour aboard the MS Euroda with Captain Keijer, and we were lucky enough to attend the ceremony. We thoroughly enjoyed the entire trip. The Saguenay community greeted us with open arms~a very warm group of people in this charming area.
Bob Banfelder
http://www.robertbanfelder.com