Cruise ships helping boost Salem's economy

Joseph Restuccia for the Boston Globe

The Grand Caribe in Salem in 2008.

By Bella Travaglini, Town Correspondent

Salem is emerging as a destination for small cruise ships making stops in historic ports that dot the New England seacoast. And once the Blaney Street wharf expansion is completed, officials expect to attract the large cruise liners, which is projected to have a significant impact on the local economy.

Blount Small Ship Adventures operating out of Warren, Rhode Island again this year has included Salem as part of its “Olde New England Sampler” cruise package with three scheduled stops in the city, said Kate Fox, executive director of Destination Salem.

“The cruise line stopped in Salem to fill a cancellation in 2008 and absolutely loved it here,” said Fox. “We’re thrilled to have them back.”

This year the cruise line scheduled three trips to Salem on routes that originate in Rhode Island and visit such ports as New Bedford, Boston, and Provincetown along the way. The Grande Caribe, which holds up to 96 passengers, docked overnight in the city on July 17 and passengers visited the usual historic attractions like the House of the Seven Gables and the Peabody Essex Museum, said Fox. The Grande Caribe will dock in Salem again on Aug. 17 while the Niagra Prince arrives on Sept. 2 marking the final trip for the cruise line this year.

Destination Salem provides coupons and discounted tours for cruise passengers and arranges for promotional events highlighting the city, said Fox.  Local historian Jim McAllister on July 17 gave a lecture for passengers onboard the ship while local author Brunia Barry will offer a discussion on historic Salem in August, said Fox.

For the past few years, the city has been working with the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and Mass Historic Ports to promote Salem and New England ports as a cruise destination along the Canadian and New England routes, said Kathleen Winn, deputy director of the department of planning and community development.

The Blaney Street wharf expansion is expected to boost the city’s economy by an estimated $60 million annually, according to a Salem State College study, said Winn. The project includes the construction of a concrete and steel pier and floating dock system that will support a variety of vessels like the Salem Ferry, cruise ships, excursion boats, water taxis and a LNG offshore supply boat, said Winn. Land improvements include a multi-use terminal building, landscaping and a pedestrian harbor walk and a fishing and viewing area.

The wharf expansion will create jobs, provide additional options for commuters, create a new marine industry and boost spending at local retailers and restaurants, said Winn. The project is in the design phase and the city is working to identify construction funds estimated between $18 and $20 millions, said Winn. Once construction begins, it will take up to 2 years to complete, she said.

Meanwhile, business from the small cruise ship visits has not been measured, but it is valued as a larger market emerges, said Fox.

“It is a very competitive industry since there are so many ports to choose from,” said Fox. “Hopefully, we will continue to see that growth.”