The Chief Commanda II has been a North Bay tourism staple for decades.
Rich Stivrins, the captain of the Lake Nipissing cruise ship, has operated the family business in North Bay since 2003.
Many changes and developments have continued near North Bay's waterfront including a new splash pad and basketball courts nearby.
"As far as the other activities around town we say 'bring it on,' the more stuff for people to do, the better," he said.
"I believe in the nautical saying that a rising tide lifts all ships.
"I think there is a mutual benefit when we are busy there is a knock-off effect not just on the waterfront but on the entire city similar when the city is busy and happening and that type of thing, then it brings more people to town and more people to discover what you can do so it is a good cause and effect relationship aside from that."
For those who don't know, the Chief Commanda II is a 320-passenger, all-aluminum twin-hull vessel that cruises at a speed up to 13 knots or 25 km/h. The ship is equipped with two bars, handicap-accessible washrooms, snack bar, and open-air BBQ.
"We are always excited at the start of a new season," added Stivrins.
Stivrins says they have also partnered with the Capitol Centre to host a trio of concerts on the lake over the summer.
"It's kind of a throwback to when we first came up here and we are happy to partner with them on it," he said.
"We have some great local bands so we are excited to get back into doing that type of stuff."
See related: Cruise to some tunes with the Capitol Centre's Summer Cruise series
Dan Misturada, Director of Programming at the Capitol Centre is thrilled with the partnership.
“With the cancellation of our annual Bluesfest, we knew that the Blues Cruise needed to live on, as it has always been a fan favorite that sells out year after year. The Summer Cruise Series is a great way for music fans to experience local bands in a way that is truly unique to North Bay," he said in a Capitol Centre release.
To find out more about the Chief Commanda II and its cruise schedule click HERE
