Community Corner
Cruise Ships Heading for Edgartown
Starting in May, small ships from American Cruise Lines will be anchoring outside Edgartown Harbor on their coastal trips, harbormaster Charlie Blair said.
It's been a long time since cruise ships anchored in Edgartown. But this summer, the town can expect more than 20 visits from small ships operated by American Cruise Lines of Guilford, Conn.
In past summers, American Cruise ships have visited Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven, said Edgartown harbormaster Charlie Blair.
"I stole 'em," Blair said Friday, shortly after confirming the switch with an American Cruise Lines representative.
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"The selectmen gave their blessing last month," Blair continued.
The ships, up to 215 feet long and carrying about 100 passengers, will drop their hooks in the anchorage off Chappaquiddick and run their own launches to the shore, he said.
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"They drop people off and pick people up."
While onshore, cruise passengers will be free to shop and dine or take a bus tour of the Island, according to the American Cruise Lines website.
Blair said he expects the first cruise to arrive in Edgartown at 8 a.m. May 21 and depart at 2 a.m. May 23.
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