The Royal Caribbean’s Celebrity Solstice masts are too high to fit under the Lions Gate Bridge. The cruise line has agreed to alter the masts so the ship will be able to come to Vancouver next year.
Vancouver Sun, April 27, 2013 –
The Celebrity Solstice – one of the world’s newest and tallest cruise ships – is expected to dock in Vancouver next year after the cruise line alters the ship’s mast so it can telescopically retract to fit under the Lions Gate Bridge.
The cruise line’s decision comes as Port Metro Vancouver, the province and industry officials hold early talks on how to deal with an expected influx of taller ships crossing under the bridge in the future.
Greg Wirtz, president of the North West and Canada Cruise Association, said the plan to alter the mast addresses an immediate problem in Vancouver, which is considered a “home port” for the Alaskan cruise business, along with other ports of call.
His association represents cruise lines that serve Hawaii, Alaska, Washington state, British Columbia and Atlantic Canada.
Because of the Lions Gate Bridge clearance issue, the Royal Caribbean’s Celebrity Solstice, a 19-deck vessel with room for 2,850 passengers, will go to Nanaimo instead of Vancouver this year.
Read more: Lions Gate Bridge
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