PARTNERS: Norwegian Cruise Lines has announced a pretty exciting partnership with the Seneca Nation of Indians. Major plans are underway and include building a large, multi-operational pier adjacent to Kinzua Beach to house tour boats.

These new touring ships, built on pontoon technology for stability and shallow water operation, will include state of the art dining as well as gambling opportunities.

Stops include Sugar Bay, Cornplanter Run, Willow Bay, Chapel Forks and State Line.

This will bring with it motels, restaurants and entertainment venues. Norwegian plans to market the area heavily in Europe — the Seneca Reservation, our oil history, lumber industry, refineries, Zippo and of course Marilyn Horne all have a worldwide draw. Excursions to the Kinzua Bridge, Zippo Museum, World War II Museum in Eldred and the Kinzua Dam itself are planned.

The Seneca Nation will provide free transportation to their casino with gambling, hotel stays and dining specials for the visitors. A Seneca spokesman said he sees this as a major step in the nation’s exposure to the world and an international destination.

We can see only one drawback to the plan, but it’s a big one — it’s

April Fool’s Day!

Might as well dream big, right?