First cruise ship in 2 years in Whitsundays heralds return of $21m industry

The first of more than 80 cruise ships, P&O’s massive Pacific Explorer, will dock in Airlie Beach, bringing big money and a renewed ‘buzz’ to the coast. And the benefits could flow to Mackay and Isaac.

Cruise ships will make a much-welcome return to the Whitsundays after two long years, promising a multimillion-dollar boost to a tourism industry to help it shrug off the Covid cloud.

The first ship to dock will be P&O’s Pacific Explorer, a mammoth 2000 passenger ship expected to call in to the Port of Airlie on June 17.

Tourism Whitsundays CEO Rick Hamilton expects more than 80 ships to arrive across the financial year, drawing an estimated $21m into the region.

“It’s obviously very exciting,” he said.

“It has been two years’ plus in the making.

“It was a really important part of our industry pre-Covid so to have the cruise ships coming in, 70 per cent plus of people who are on cruises look to do experiences across the region.”

P&O’s Pacific Explorer will call into Airlie Beach on June 17. Picture: Contributed

Mr Hamilton said Airlie Beach bars and restaurants would benefit from passengers spending the day in town and more than that, the region had a way of attracting “repeat customers.”

“What we do see from research, there is certainly a good portion who decide this is actually a great holiday destination,” he said, adding that a taste of the Whitsundays from cruise travel often resulted in holiday-makers coming back for a five or six night stay.

“There is quite a high repeat visitation,” he said.

Brian Richardson welcomes passengers as they disembark and said he was looking forward to the return of the massive ocean vessels.

“It’s terrific fun,” he said.

“We just enjoy meeting people and helping them out.”

Mr Richardson said he and his fellow volunteers offered up a range of advice and guidance, from where to post letters to recommendations for the “best pub” in town.

“In a big picture sense, it’s returning some of the tourism into the Whitsundays,” he said.

Mr Richardson said about 1800 passengers would visit Airlie Beach on June 17.

Tourism Whitsundays CEO Rick Hamilton said the cruise industry would likely generate about $21m in revenue for the region. Picture: Contributed

La Tabella Trattoria owner Leni Fries is also thrilled to see the ships return.

“It’s fantastic they are able to come back,” she said.

“Even if they buy one cup of coffee and a souvenir T-shirt, it all helps businesses in Airlie Beach.

“The region gets the exposure.

“And then maybe next year they might decide to bring their family here for a holiday.”

The cruise ship milk and honey could also flow down to the Mackay and Isaac regions, and Mackay Isaac Tourism interim CEO Tash Wheeler said the ships would boost visitation numbers.

“To have cruise tourism back in region is definitely fantastic as it will be a boost to visitation in the region,” she said.

“Travellers get to experience these amazing locations that are difficult to reach.”

MIT’s Visiting Friends and Relatives campaign also advertises the hidden gems of the Mackay and Isaac region.

“With coastal campsites, internationally significant wetlands, historical pubs, unspoilt nature hikes and gold prospecting the Isaac is filled with unique experiences that are bound to delight visitors,” Isaac Mayor Anne Baker said.