KODIAK -- Kodiak's first cruise ship passengers of the season were greeted by rain, snow, sleet and hail, but one of them says he didn't mind.

Ed Christian of Vancouver, British Columbia, tells the Kodiak Daily Mirror that it wasn't very cold and he was impressed by the friendliness of the people he met.

He was one of about 500 people who disembarked from the Crystal Serenity, operated by Crystal Cruises.

Kodiak Island Convention and Visitors Bureau director Janet Buckingham says the ship's arrival was unusually early for Kodiak.

Thirteen cruise ships are scheduled for Kodiak this year, and the second is expected April 30.