Press release from Eddy Alexander and the City of Eureka:

Eureka will welcome two ships this month, starting with the Regent cruise ship MS Oceania Regatta on Wednesday, September 14th at 8 a.m., followed by the Scenic cruise line’s Scenic Eclipse on Saturday, September 24th at 8 a.m. Both ships will be led into the harbor by a boat parade followed by a private welcome party at Schneider dock that will include live music, coffee, and pastries.

During the day, ship guests can enjoy Old Town or participate in excursions with Onward Groups, a California-based group tour company. The tours on the 14th include a hiking tour to Prairie Creek Redwoods, Ferndale, and the Redwood Skywalk. The tours on the 24th include a Pacific Coastline Hiking Tour provided by Pacific Outfitters, Blue Ox Millworks, Humboldt Botanical Garden, and the Redwood Skywalk. An excursion catalog being developed will inform interested cruise ships on all that Humboldt County has to offer.

On-board plaque exchange ceremonies to celebrate the inaugural call of the ships will also take place during the day.

In partnership with the City of Eureka, Humboldt Made welcomes local artisan vendors to join us to showcase their locally made products in Clarke Plaza in Eureka’s Old Town. If you are interested in participating as a vendor, please contact info@humboldtmade.com. The cruise visits and the arrival and departure receptions are a collaborative effort planned by the City of Eureka, Eureka Main Street, Humboldt County Office of Economic Development, Visit Humboldt, Humboldt Bay Harbor Recreation & Conservation District, Petrusha Pilots, Coos Bay Tugs and Zerlang and Zerlang Marine Services, with special thanks to Chet Albin, Dave Schneider and Schneider Dock.

Local citizens who would like to view the ships can watch from the Del Norte Street pier, the Park and Ride at Herrick Avenue, and the Samoa boat ramp at the north jetty. The Madaket is also planning additional cruises to view the ship and as of time of publication is still taking bookings.