Proms and Private Corporate Events Instead of Cruise Ships at New Terminal

The Port of San Diego’s controversial new $28 million cruise ship terminal was completed in December, just as word got around that Holland America was planning to pull its 1916-passenger Oosterdam liner off the once-lucrative route from San Diego to the Mexican Riviera. The 2500-passenger Carnival Spirit is also departing the schedule. Loss of the vessels, each of which made 25 trips or so a year, dashed the port’s hopes to justify its lavish investment in the Broadway Pier facility, which displaced a public park and caused a legal and environmental ruckus that is yet to fade. But have no fear, officials say, they have come up with an array of events that can be held inside the lofty building, though many will be off-limits to the public.

Among the substitute events lined up, according to a list furnished by the district: a May 6 meeting of the state Assembly Select Committee on San Diego Trade, Tourism and Job Creation; a May 14 high school prom; a May 25 “Corporate Trade Show & Reception (private corporate event)”; a June 9 “Electric Vehicle Promotional Event (private corporate event)”; another private corporate event on June 22; the June 25–26 San Diego Spirits Festival cocktail party (“festival on pier forecourt free to public; paid event inside pavilion”); and on July 1, a “private wedding and reception.” Free public events include Fourth of July fireworks, a Chilean tall ship visit, Fleet Week, and Whale Days. And the schedule calls for one cruise ship stop in November and two in January of next year.