Princess Cruise Lines is set to call at Yorktown next summer.
The Yorktown cruise is part of an itinerary exploring Virginia’s Historic Triangle and a gateway to experience Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown.
Yorktown itself offers three centuries of history, with revolutionary battlefields and streets with art galleries, antique and specialty shops.
A large cruise ship could damage the ‘small town character’ residents say.
More than 2,000 people signed the Stop Princess Cruises in Yorktown petition.
“We need to protect the ecosystem of the York River and Chesapeake Bay.” One petitioner wrote.
I want Yorktown to keep its historical charm. That will not happen with thousands of people coming in on that size of ship,” another petitioner wrote.
Princess Cruises President John Padgett spoke to residents at a public meeting recently to allay fears over pollution and overcrowding.
Chairman of the York County Board of Supervisors Thomas Shepperd supports the cruise call.
He says Yorktown will get anywhere from 250-750 cruisers coming ashore.
“Visitors come to Historic Yorktown all the time,” Shepperd said.
“During the summer, it’s one of the most popular places on the peninsula.”
Shepperd said the cruise stop remains a pilot program. for now
Tags: Princess Cruises, John Padgett, York County Board of Supervisors, Thomas Shepperd
