The Port of Suva (Viti Levu Island, Fiji) on Saturday, September 24, welcomed its first cruise ship, CCL-Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Splendor with 2000+ tourists onboard since the COVID crisis two years ago.
According to Leigh Howard (Tourism Fiji chief operations officer), the arrival of the liner was a huge boost to the island's economy.
The 2008-built boat departed from Seattle WA USA (September 6) on a 23-night Transpacific voyage from Alaska to Australia (RepositionCruises.com) with stops in 6 different seaports (Hawaii and Fiji) before docking in homeport Sydney (NSW) on September 30.
Over the course of the 2 days, 1500+ passengers will go on shore excursions and shopping experiences, which are expected to provide a significant economic injection into Fiji's economy.
Apakuki Tabuakoro (Fijian Craft Association president & tourist guide) said they had been elated when they had heard of the arrival of the vessel.
“My home has been filled with handicraft (items) for the past two years and we were really thankful when we heard of this arrival.
“We look forward to welcoming more cruise liners to Fiji.”