More cruise ships coming in

More cruise ships are coming again into the country with MS Westerdam carrying 1,348 passengers currently berthed at the Suva Wharf.

According to the Suva cruise ship port calendar, five cruise ships are expected to arrive before the year ends.

From January to July 2023, a total of 14 cruise vessels are expected to arrive into the country.

Meanwhile, it was a breath of fresh air for the Thompsons from Mount Gambier, Australia who are on board MS Westerdam.

73 year old Barry Thompson says the opening of borders after the COVID-19 pandemic is good for everyone especially to countries who rely heavily on tourism.

Thompson who is travelling with his wife Beverlie says we need each other to survive.

Beverlie says apart from helping the economy, its good to get out of the house after a long time.

The MS Westerdam is expected to visit Dravuni, Kadavu before going to Lautoka.

It started its voyage from Seattle, USA on October 2nd and has visited Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji before heading to Noumea, Papua New Guinea and Sydney.

Earlier this year, Tourism Fiji said a Fiji Cruise Study report published by IFC states that in 2018, cruise companies, their passengers and crew spent FJ$44.2 million.

The report highlights these cruise ships not only directly benefit Fiji’s economy but indirectly through five major sectors: general retail, food and beverage and hotel, transport, tours and entertainment and specialist tourism retail.

Prior to the pandemic, international cruise ships berthed in Fiji several times a year and significantly contributed to visitor spend and arrival stats.

According to the Fiji Bureau of Statistics, in 2019 the cruising market brought in 74,000 visitors through Fiji’s three ports in Lautoka, Suva and Savusavu.