Saturday, July 10, 2010

Cruise ships coming to Kerrville

July 12, 2010 - The Kerr Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is in negotiations with Carnival Cruise Lines to add Kerrville as a “port of call” on the company’s popular gulf cruise itinerary.

“We realize Kerrville is 230 miles inland,” said a CVB spokesperson. “But recent ample rains have raised the Guadalupe River enough to accommodate the draft of some typical cruise ships. We may not be able to handle the Queen Elizabeth, but we can certainly bring up the Carnival Ambivalence.”

The most logical location of the dock would be behind the historic Arcadia Theater, which is already in the process of being refurbished. Owners are reportedly open to the idea of serving as the portal to welcome cruise passengers to Kerrville.

The idea has created some controversy among local residents. Some believe the new international port will bring an influx of visitors that would justify construction of the Convention Center downtown.

Other local citizens are not convinced the idea will work.

“Kerrville as a cruise destination?” asked one passerby. “Yes, we have a navigable river and some great historic sites, but tourists also expect gimmicky, overpriced restaurants and trinket shops.”

In a related development, owners of the former Schreiner Department Store building have announced they are adding a Hard Rock Cafe and Planet Hollywood.

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