Cruise Ships Docking in New London, Connecticut, Heighten Area Tourism

New London, Connecticut, has always been a sea-faring town because of its waterfront location, fishing history, and proximity to the Groton Naval base. Now the town is adding cruise ship docking to its ferryboat schedule, and New London is enjoying its heightened status as a tourist destination.

The 3,000-plus passenger cruise ship Explorer of the Seas has visited the town twice and will make two additional stops in New London this fall: Sept. 29 and Oct. 13. Other cruise ships are docking as well, including Holland America Line's Veendam on Sept. 28.

According to information from the New London Main Street Organization, more than 1,900 passengers came into downtown at each visit of the Explorer of the Seas, and 600-700 passengers took excursions to nearby destinations like the Mystic Aquarium or Mystic Seaport. In addition, several hundred people came into New London to watch the docking of the cruise ship each time as it performs a three-point-turn in the harbor.

The presence of the cruise ship has created an opportunity for the town to tout its offerings at a broader level and the New London Main Street Organization has tried to do so. In addition to the usual coupon offerings and "Welcome Cruise Ship Passengers" signs, downtown New London has unique offerings for cruise ship visitors and even southeast Connecticut residents.

According to reporting by The New London Day, in addition to its restaurant and store offerings, New London plans a small car show from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., some musical entertainment at City Pier, and the weekly Saturday Market at the corner of Bank and State streets with arts and crafts vendors. These efforts all aim to attract more visitors and area residents to downtown New London, as well as the docking of the U.S. Coast Guard Barque Eagle docking at State Pier.