Ship shape: Charlottetown's 2017 cruise schedule busiest yet

More cruise ships and passengers will visit Charlottetown next year than ever before, says the port's CEO.

Les Parsons says Port Charlottetown is expecting 83 cruise ships in 2017 and for the first time in its history surpass the 100,000 passenger mark.

"Charlottetown, which is part of the Canada New England itinerary has been growing in popularity amongst cruise lines for the past number of years and the 2017 season will be our biggest yet," Parsons said in a news release.

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"This is a great opportunity for local retailers, restaurants and tour operators to capitalize on this growth throughout the solid six month cruise season."

Six ships including the Disney Magic will make their inaugural calls to Charlottetown.

The most cruise ships to visit Charlottetown in a year was 73, in 2015. Last summer, only 57 cruise ships visited.

The 2017 season kicks off with a call from Holland America's Veendam on May 1, and wraps up on Oct. 27 with a call from the Silver Seas Silver Whisper.

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