The ms Zuiderdam has made its first stop in Airlie Beach last Sunday, marking another on the list of great ships for this beautiful port of call. Cruisers from the Zuiderdam got to experience Airlie in the tropical, humid heat and sunshine by arriving just after the torrential rain we had.
Guests flocked to the local markets, went on tour flights or boat trips, and even many of the crew who could get aboard the tender to shore visited our famed lagoon. With Babak Shaghaghi the Staff Captain of the cruise liner himself looking forward to having a dip in the waters.
“For our guests, apparently it is one of the most favourite places to be. Because as soon as we arrived, we had a queue on board. Everybody was trying to go on shore and by 10 o'clock, we had a thousand people already off the ship. This is a beautiful place to see. It's my first time here, and we're going to go discover it now.” said Mr. Shaghaghi.
The ms Zuiderdam is currently on her 56 days, one-way from Fort Lauderdale in Florida, U.S.A. to Singapore. With Airlie Beach being its 16th stop and 3rd stop in Australia as she travels northwards. Renee Branton-brown the General Manager of Cruise Whitsundays notes just how great a tourist stop for the cruise industry Airlie is becoming.
"The increased cruise ship visitation to the Whitsundays is a positive catalyst for growth. With every vessel that arrives, we’re not only welcoming travellers, but also supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and elevating the reputation of this unique paradise on the world stage,” said Renee Branton-brown, General Manager of Cruise Whitsundays.
“What’s even more exciting is the potential for returning visitation — guests who experience the beauty and charm of the Whitsundays during their cruise often return for extended stays, contributing to long-term tourism growth and helping us build lasting relationships with visitors.”
As we wave farewell to the Zuiderdam, we can thank her and her guest for boosting our local economy and bringing some fun new faces to the area, even if only for a brief moment, she was a grand sight to see on our waters.
Caption: Babak Shaghaghi (Staff Captain), Pam Rusin of Cruise Whitsundays (Cruise Ship Support), Enache Bisanti (Bridge Manager), and Rigo Acevedo (Public Health Officer) standing by the Zuiderdam tender vessel. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton.
Caption: Babak Shaghaghi and Pam Rusin exchanging a ceremonial plate and certification for the ms Zuiderdams maiden call to the Port of Airlie. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
