The first cruise ship of the season rolled into port April 28. The Viking Venus arrived with 930 guests at the Homer Harbor, followed on May 7 by the Oceania Riviera, with an estimated 1,250 guests. Passengers could be spotted around town May 7, taking in the sights and sunshine on both the Homer Spit and Homer, proper.

The Viking Orion is scheduled to arrive on May 29, with 930 estimated guests. After May, Homer is set to receive one cruise ship in both June and August, three in July, and two in September. Brad Anderson, executive director of the Homer Chamber of Commerce, said Tuesday that two of the upcoming ships will be docked in Homer overnight, giving passengers an opportunity to immerse themselves in Homer.

“The type of cruise ships visiting Homer are considered smaller ships whose itineraries provide passengers a better chance to enjoy a more authentic Alaska experience because they are not dealing with the large crowds found in many of Alaska’s larger cruise ship ports,” wrote Anderson. “These passengers pay more for this type of Alaska experience and are more likely to get out and enjoy more activities when they arrive at each town.”

Anderson said these kinds of ships fit well into Homer’s existing facilities, without overwhelming the Spit or downtown shops. He also said that Homer will see an increase in tour bus tourism this year.

“This is another type of tourist group that fits well with our community because of smaller group sizes and overnight stays,” he wrote. “Hence, the guests have more time to enjoy the sights and activities around Homer. Because they will use our hotels and restaurants, it will also have a strong economic impact.”

This year’s summer tourism season will kick off with the inaugural Homer HarborFest celebration on June 7, hosted by the Homer Chamber of Commerce. The event will feature a live music stage, boat show, chef competition, beer garden, food trucks, craft vendors, art displays, and the return of the Wooden Boat Society’s kids’ boat-building activities. Tickets and event information can be found at homerharborfest.com.

For more information on the cruise ship schedule or tourism-related questions, you can contact the Homer Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center at 907-235-7740 or by visiting their office at 201 Sterling Highway.

Reach reporter Chloe Pleznac at chloe.pleznac@homernews.com.