I had the honor of attending the Hornblower Niagara Cruises official ribbon cutting ceremony this afternoon for media representatives (it officially opens tomorrow, Thursday, May 15, 2014). It started off by showcasing speeches by Hornblower Niagara Cruises CEO, Terry MacRae, Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati, Mory DiMaurizo, General Manager of Niagara Cruises and the Niagara Parks Commission chair, Janice Thomson.
Following the speeches, it was on to the Hornblower Niagara Cruises ribbon cutting ceremony!
Tour time! After entering the Hornblower Niagara Cruises plaza, we then journeyed down the pathway to the “Niagara Parks Grand View Marketplace” for yet another unveiling and ribbon cutting ceremony. Here, you will find ticket booths, the “Mist Retail” souvenir shop that carries a wide selection of Niagara Falls and Hornblower apparel, and food vendors. Inside the Mist Retail is also everything that you would need to purchase in preparation of your journey on the Hornblower. Think hair brushes, additional ponchos (separate from the courtesy ponchos you will receive on your boat ride), glow sticks for all you “Sunset Cocktail Cruise” lovers (see all the tour options by clicking here), and even a first aid kit, should you need it. It is inside here that you will also catch one of the elevators that takes you down to the Hornblower Niagara Cruises loading dock.
After exiting the elevator, it brings you to the hallway leading you to the “Mist Poncho Handout” station. Go ahead and grab one of their ponchos — you WILL get wet! From there, it’s on to one of the two 750 passenger catamarans, the “Niagara Thunder” or the “Niagara Wonder”. We were taken aboard the “Niagara Guardian”, which is their 150 passenger private charter and special event boat. A little complimentary journey that I was lucky enough to catch a ride on:
It was an amazing experience! I would like to thank the Niagara Parks Commission and Hornblower Niagara Cruises for the invite to attend the ceremony, and to be one of the first to ride the Niagara Guardian!
The Hornblower Niagara Cruises opens to the public on Thursday, March 15, 2014. You may buy the tickets online by clicking here, or upon arrival at 5920 Niagara Parkway, which is located at the north end of Queen Victoria Park, close to the Rainbow Bridge and the Oakes Garden Theatre at the foot of the Clifton Hill tourist area.
Since the opening weekend also falls on the Victoria Day weekend, additional parking can be found at the map provided (video included as well):
http://youtu.be/eeoIk6F_v5w
For further information:
Telephone: 1-905-NIAGARA
Website: www.niagaracruises.com
Email: info@niagaracruises.com
Christine Lynn
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