VIDEO: Cruise boat operator sails on

| August 7, 2020 in Video

Local Community Advertising

It's been hard sailing for Kelowna Cruises.

Revenues are down 75% according to owner Mike Reddecliff.

"It's taking a hit absolutely for sure," he said.

Kelowna Cruises has been making changes in its operation as the COVID-19 situation has evolved, and that's meant the vessels are accepting far fewer passengers and party cruises have been practically eliminated. 

On-board, tables have been spaced, sanitizer is available, and people are asked to remain seated. 

"We're doing all the things we can to make sure people are safe," said Reddecliff.

"Ninety percent of the folks that come on board are good, which is, we tell them this is your seat, you stay here, you don't go and mingle with other guests," he added.

"But you do get those occasions where people want to go and hang out with the other table or walk about the boat." 

That means his staff have to remind people about distancing during cruises. 

"We are trying to do what we can to make sure people are safe when they come on the boat and I think we're doing a good job of it."

Kelowna Cruises was the target of some negative media coverage. In particular, there were questions about plans to have a party cruise that included a rock band and a dance floor, but the health authority made it clear that the dance floor element was not acceptable.

"Once that came out," said Reddecliff, "we cancelled the cruise. So it's been evolving."

Public cruises sail daily from the marina at the foot of Bernard Avenue at 12:30 pm.

Local Community Advertising

Trending Stories

You can now enjoy an alcoholic beverage at these 8 Kelowna parks

Operation Barcode: 5-day Kelowna shoplifting blitz produces 34 arrests

BC nurse suspended after claiming more than $23K for shifts she didn't work

Section of Bernard Avenue now closed for setup of vehicle-free zone

'Not going to happen': John Rustad says he won't quit as BC Conservatives leader

'I'm going to have to shoot you all': BC Interior teacher reprimanded after joke about math test falls flat

Mother bear that attacked woman in BC won't be killed

There are other ways to help workers without jacking up the minimum wage