Hawaiian shirts and matching fanny packs could become a common sight in Masset, with the village council researching the logistics of putting Masset on the cruise ship destination list.
"It's something we're investigating," said Kim Mushynsky at the Masset village office. "We know we don't have the infrastructure to attract the full-size cruise ships, what we're looking at is the smaller 150-passenger pocket cruises." She said that they are researching what kind of dock and services are required by the cruise companies.
"If we need a $2-million dock, we might be still in the water," said Ms. Mushynsky, but she added that the government dock at the end of Main Street could be expanded or improved to accommodate the ships.
Meanwhile, in Prince Rupert, the newly revamped cruise ship terminal - which welcomed its first ship May 2 - is expected to attract 140 vessels this year, carrying 200,000 passengers. This could create 1,155 seasonal jobs and generate $31-million in tourist dollars, according to Western Economic Diversification Canada.