AIDAmar Here on First Visit
The German owned cruise liner, AIDAmar arrived in Fiji yesterday for the first time bringing almost 2,000 passengers on an adventure cruise.
The cruise liner spend a day in Suva before heading to Lautoka on Christmas Eve. It is the first time the 10 year-old ship is used for a world cruise.
Fijian Craft and Tourist Guides president Apakuki Tabuakoro said the cruise liner had arrived at a time that would bring in some Christamas cash for the vendors.
Mr Tabuakoro said vendors had looked forward and prepared in advance.
“We had been looking forward to the arrival of this cruise ship to earn some cash for Christmas,” Mr Tabuakuro said.
“We had prepared three weeks in advance but unfortunately, we’re not able to sell many crafts because the cruise passengers are have their own preferences depending also on their age.
“Most of our crafts are bought by tourists coming in from the Pacific that is from Australia and New Zealand, Canada, England and usually the whole family of all ages are able to buy the different crafts from us.
Mr Tabuakoro said since they came from Europe and there was language barrier. They also bargained for almost 100 per cent discount.
Vendors
He said also there are only few vendors due to the high cost of goods that they had to buy before making additional designs.
First German cruiseliner visits our shores, brining in almost 2000 passengers.
There would be 10 tables with different setoff crafts.
“Before when big cruise ships use to dock and bring in thousands of tourists, I would earn more than a thousand dollars, but now it could be just $100.
“The difference is the age group, s different age group have preferable different taste for crafts while others just like to sightsee.
“It also depends how you talk, if you approach properly then you can go home with a lot of money but if you don’t then you will go home with empty pockets,’ he said.
The cruise liner will leave Lautoka for Vanuatu on the 24th.