A sea of happy faces disembarked the P&O Pacific Explorer last Friday morning and they were greeted with a fanfare of excited local representatives who were all eager to show them a good time.
The first cruise ship to arrive in over two years, this vessel was the beginning of a regular flow of tourists who are now able to travel by sea, visiting ports up and down the east coast of Australia.
Previously injecting $20 million a year into the local economy, watching the first passengers disembark was symbolic of a promising new era for our regional tourism where one in three jobs are directly related to the sector.
The cruise ship was carrying 1,800 passengers and the onboard security officer estimated 1,500 disembarked for the day.
The first passengers set foot on Airlie Beach soil at 8.30am and the return transfers were at 2.30pm.
The Lions Airlie Beach markets on the Foreshore were a popular destination for many, while others ventured off on local tours or explored the town.
The ship left later that afternoon, sailing overnight arriving in Cairns the morning.
The second cruise ship arrived on Tuesday this week and the third will be pulling into local waters next Tuesday.
An estimated 60 ships will be visiting the Whitsundays during the course of the remainder of the year and in November alone a record 17 ships will be arriving in one month.
All crew are required to wear facemasks and they recommend that passengers do the same but they no longer need to enforce it.
**FACT**
60 cruise ships will arrive in 2022
17 ships will visit in November alone
Cruise ships inject $20 million a year into local economy
The first passengers arrive at the Cruise Whitsunday terminal
The Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors turn on the charm!
