Another Jewel on our horizon

P&O cruise ship the Pacific Jewel will make its second visit to the Sunshine Coast this week when it drops anchor off Mooloolaba.

The Wednesday, May 11 stopover adds to a spectacular past few weeks for tourism on the Sunshine Coast,  coming hot on the heels of the Australian Surf Life Saving Titles held at three Coast beaches and the World Outrigger Sprint Championships which are being staged at Lake Kawana until Sunday.

Mayor Mark Jamieson said another warm welcome awaited the 1950 passengers expected to come ashore during Pacific Jewel’s visit.

“I very much look forward to welcoming our cruise ship guests as they arrive at the Wharf Markets at Mooloolaba on Wednesday and from there they’ll have easy access to the region’s many attractions including Australia Zoo, the Eumundi Markets and our hinterland,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“Local tourism ambassadors will provide official Sunshine Coast visitor guides and once again our TAFE Queensland East Coast students will be stationed along the Mooloolaba Esplanade with specially branded surfboards for unique photo opportunities.

“Council has worked hard to encourage and support the arrival of these cruise ships and we’re very excited to welcome six more this year, starting with Wednesday’s arrival of the Pacific Jewel.

“Each cruise ship visit can potentially deliver s an estimated $250,000 boost to the local economy and our businesses and tourism operators are doing an outstanding job in recognising the fantastic opportunities these visits present.”

Edge Restaurant Montville manager-owner Adele Smith said the positive impacts from cruise ship visits were being felt around the region.

“During the recent cruise ship stopovers we have experienced very busy days and a large number of our customers have told us they are cruise ship guests touring the hinterland for the day,” she said.

Visit Sunshine Coast chair Grant Hunt said this week’s Pacific Jewel stopover was another important opportunity for the region to build on its growing reputation as a cruise ship destination of choice.

“Council is working with its partners in the tourism industry and local businesses to ensure the greatest benefits are captured from these cruise ship visits,” Mr Hunt said.

“Visit Sunshine Coast is coordinating volunteers from our Visitor Information Centres and local TAFE students to meet/greet and roll out the welcome mat to cruise passengers.

“All the research highlights passengers who have a pleasurable experience during a stopover are likely to return to the destination for a longer, dedicated visit in the future.

“The warm Sunshine Coast welcome we provide also ensures guest feedback results in our increasingly impressive and positive port scores which contribute to maintaining our existing cruise schedule and also  encourages new shipping lines to visit Mooloolaba.”

The Pacific Jewel will drop anchor off Mooloolaba early on Wednesday morning and the first passengers will be ferried to shore around 8am.

Another five Sunshine Coast stopovers are scheduled for 2016:

• June 15 – Pacific Aria
• June 27 – Pacific Jewel
• August 10 – Pacific Jewel
• August 16 – Carnival Spirit
• September 4– Pacific Pearl