ESCANABA — The Delta County Chamber of Commerce would like to invite the community to a welcome ceremony for the next American Queen Voyages cruise ship. The ship, the Ocean Voyager, on its maiden visit to the Bays de Noc, will dock in Escanaba for the first time on Thursday, May 25 at 8 a.m. (The Ocean Navigator docked in Escanaba on Sunday, May 14 and Thursday, May 18.)

Approximately 200 cruise ship passengers will arrive at Escanaba’s North Shore Marine Terminal & Logistics Dock (behind the Escanaba Public Library) and begin disembarking the ship at approximately 8 a.m. on Thursday with a welcome ceremony planned for 8:30 a.m.

Event planners with the Chamber of Commerce are encouraging residents to come to the North Shore Dock for the welcome ceremony between 8 and 8:30 a.m. to give the American Queen Voyages passengers a hearty U.P. welcome. These visitors will be the community’s guests all summer long through October 2 during their remaining 26 day-long visits.

The city’s German Band will play music and members of Players de Noc will dress in costume portraying Delta County historical figures to welcome the cruise ship guests.

Mayor Mark Ammel and Escanaba DDA Chair Sue Parker will present the ship captain with the ceremonial key to the city. Everyone is encouraged to show our cruise ship guests U.P. hospitality during the welcome ceremony and their subsequent visits this summer.

For more information, call Vickie Micheau at the Delta County Chamber of Commerce at (906) 786-2192.