Ketchikan delegates and Splendor crew members pose after the presentation of plaques. Vice-mayor Bob Sivertsen (blue jacket), captain Francesco La Fauci, and Alina Chefneux hold exchanged gifts. (KRBD photo by Leila Kheiry).
The Carnival Splendor made her first and only stop in Ketchikan this season on September 4th. Local representatives were invited onboard for a presentation ceremony and lunch.
“Good morning, nice to meet you…”
Captain Francesco La Fauci , hotel director Alina Chefneux, and staff captain Ivan Mladina welcomed delegates from Ketchikan onto the bridge of the Carnival Splendor during her inaugural visit to the First City.
The 953-foot cruise ship carries more than 3,000 passengers and 1,000 crew members. La Fauci says he’s visited Ketchikan, previously serving on the Carnival Legend and other ships.
Hotel director Alina Chefneux greets Ketchikan Visitors Bureau president and CEO Patti Mackey. (KRBD photo by Leila Kheiry).
“So we are glad to be back to Ketchikan, definitely glad, and we’re looking forward to coming back again.”
La Fauci says passengers have been enjoying the beauty of Alaska.
“And of course we’ve been blessed this week with the weather. The weather has been amazing. And I say to everyone, ‘Since I’ve been in Alaska the last 20 years, in and out, don’t expect this weather all the time, especially in Ketchikan.’”
La Fauci says he hopes more Carnival ships will come to Alaska, if there is enough room.
There was a brief exchange of plaques between La Fauci and City of Ketchikan vice-mayor Bob Sivertsen.
“I just want to say that it’s a splendid day to have the Splendor in the community. We welcome you to the community and we do have room for another ship. On behalf of the community, we certainly enjoy the partnerships that we have with the cruise industry. Where ours is changing and growing, I know the cruise industry is doing the same, and so we welcome you and hopefully to participate in a larger manner in the future.”
A grand elevator aboard the Carnival Splendor. (KRBD photo by Leila Kheiry).
Photos of the Carnival Splendor also were distributed and a group photo taken. Captain La Fauci invited the group to stay for lunch and spend time onboard.
“Nice to meet everyone, enjoy the rest of the day, enjoy your time onboard, and again, we hope we come back. Thank you.”
The Carnival Splendor is not scheduled to visit Alaska next season, her destinations include Mexico, Hawaii and a trans-Pacific voyage. La Fauci says the Carnival Legend will return, making her final Alaska trip in 2019.
