Cruise Ships Make More Port Calls to Fiji
Twelve port calls to Fiji are expected from five cruise ships scheduled to arrive this month.
Tourism Fiji’s Chief Operations Officer (COO) Leigh Howard said it was great news.
The five cruise ships are Seabourne Odyssey, Celebrity Eclipse, Noordam, Carnival Luminosa and Silver Explorer. Cruise ship Carnival Luminosa arrived at Suva Port yesterday, with
a total of 1,805 passengers to Fiji. Mr Howard said the industry is doing well as it has been growing steadily in recent years,
“It’s important to recognize that a single ship could make 2-3 port calls, which adds up to a significant number of opportunities for businesses and communities to benefit,” said Mr Howard.
“A stop at every port creates economic activity for our locals - supporting local businesses, especially the women in business.”
Last month, Fiji welcomed the award-wining Le Paul Gauguin cruise ship.
Mr Howard said the Le Paul Gauguin cruise ship usually operated in the South Pacific providing luxury cruise experience.
Maritime Tourism
With more cruise ships visiting Fiji and more passengers disembarking to explore the islands, Tourism Fiji is pushing for more expedition ships for pre and post programmes for Fiji.
Mr Howard said this was an untapped opportunity to grow the maritime tourism.
He said as a popular destination for cruise ships, there were many companies offering itineraries that included stops at several ports in Fiji.
“The industry is doing well as it has been growing steadily in recent years, with more cruise ships visiting Fiji and more passengers disembarking to explore our islands.
“Tourism Fiji is focusing on driving more turnaround opportunities given this provide further economic benefit in terms of air capacity and hotel inventory.
The next cruise ship is expected to arrive in Fiji on April 24, 2023.
12 port calls from five ships in April