CRUISING OUR FRIENDLY WATERS
THE first of five cruise ships to dock in Townsville this month will arrive today in the city.
The super- luxury Seabourn Sojourn will visit the city with nearly 800 passengers and crew from 9am.
The 198m long liner will leave the city at 6pm.
Townsville Port CEO Ranee Crosby said the Seabourn Sojourn was the first of five cruise liners to dock in the city this month, which is “by far a record setting December”.
In December nearly 6500 cruise ship passengers and crew will visit Townsville.
Another cruise ship, the Silver Muse carrying nearly 1000 passengers and crew, will dock in Townsville on January 1.
Townsville Enterprise CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said passengers and crew would receive a hearty summer welcome in Townsville.
“The Townsville Enterprise tourism volunteers will be providing their renowned friendly and knowledgeable welcome to disembarking passengers, armed with visitor information guides and handy hints to ensure their day in Townsville is a wonderful and memorable experience,” she said.
“Volunteers will also be stationed around the city to assist with passenger inquiries. Local retail, hospitality and tourism businesses will also be engaged prior to the arrival of passengers and crew to our stunning part of the world.”
Ms O’Callaghan said passengers from the incoming ships would have the opportunity to experience island, outback, Reef, rainforest and specific tours to Billabong Sanctuary, Reef HQ, the CBD and along The Strand. “We have also modified the bus route to include a stop in the CBD to further encourage visitors to spend with local businesses,” she said.
Ms Crosby said Townsville aimed to be the “best cruise welcome in Australia”.
“We host more than 30 local markets, live entertainment and, of course, the amazing fresh fruit sup- plied by Woolworths City,” she said.
“A new addition for the summer arrivals is complimentary icy- cold towels.
“After returning from their tours, passengers can enter Quayside Terminal and grab a cool face washer to wipe away the North Queensland sweat.”
Other cruise ships to dock in Townsville this month include the Viking Orion on December 10, the Seabourn Encore on December 15, the Pacific Aria on December 18 and the Seven Seas Mariner on December 20.
Ms Crosby said there were already 11 cruise ships booked to visit Townsville in 2019.
This year saw a record number of cruise liners visit Townsville, with 18 ships docking at Townsville Port.