Press Release
Celebrity Summit expected to buy nearly two tons of lobster starting next month
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said Celebrity Cruises has agreed to buy approximately 3,800 pounds of Maine lobster when the cruise ship Celebrity Summit visits Portland and Bar Harbor in September and October. Earlier this month Pingree wrote to cruise ship CEOs, including Celebrity Cruises' Michael Bayley, urging them to buy local Maine lobster during port visits in Maine. This week Pingree's office got word that the Celebrity Cruises was taking her suggestion and buying fresh lobster when the ship visits Portland next month.
"Maine lobsters are fresh, local, and an incredible value," Pingree said. "Getting these cruise ship companies to buy lobster when they are in port is good for lobstermen and makes sure that more passengers get to sample the best lobster in the world."
Pingree said she has also heard from at least one other major cruise ship company who is talking to local lobster suppliers about making purchases for its vessels when they come to Maine.
"It's a little to early to announce more purchases but we have some good prospects and at least one company is talking specifics with suppliers and has asked for some sample product," Pingree said.
The Summit Celebrity carries more than 2,000 passengers and will purchase lobster during two visits to Portland next month and a stop in Bar Harbor in October.
Source: Congreswoman Chellie Pingree Gov't website: pingree.house.gov
