A new visitor cruised into the Twin Ports during the Fourth of July holiday. Saturday's first of six visits by a foreign flagged cruise ship marks the rebirth of the Cruising industry on the Great Lakes

It was a picture perfect morning for the arrival of the luxury cruise liner the Clelia 2. Inbound from Toronto, Duluth was the final stop on a 7 day journey for the 79 passengers on board. The inaugural expedition to the US is receiving rave reviews.

"It's a once in a life time experience for a lot of people but our group is pretty well traveled," said Bruce McEwan of Orlando, Florida.

"Going to these different ports along the Great Lakes you get a sense of history," said Diann Johnston of Fort Collins, Colorado, "it was really incredible."

The 290 foot recently-restored cruise ship can pack 100 guests and has a 65-member crew. Captain Sven Gartner says it adds up to a tight nit group.

"Every guest knows you after one day and you know every guest after three days. And they watch you very carefully and you watch the passengers very carefully, it's like (a) family atmosphere on board."

Step on board the Clelia Two and it's like stepping into a hotel on water.
There are 50 roomy cabins all with private balconies. Amenities include lounge and dining areas and large outdoor patios where you can soak up rays.

The Twin ports are no strangers to the cruising industry, but what makes this situation unique is that Duluth serves as both an arrival point and departure point. Duluth Tourism officials believe it's only the start of what's to come.

"Duluth and Toronto are fantastic destinations." said Visit Duluth President Terry Mattson, "There (are) a lot of great places between and a lot of things to see and do so we think the future for cruising is very bright."

The Clelia 2 is now on its way back to Toronto where it'll begin its journey all over again. Port Authority officials say Saturday's arrival and departure both went smoothly, but there are a lot of behind the scene efforts in bringing a cruise ship to the Ports.

Starting Wednesday (7/8) at 10pm, Kevin Jacobsen will report on what it takes to attract the cruising industry to the Twin Ports.