‘So excited’: First cruise ship arrives in Australia after two year ban
SYDNEY, April 18, 2022 (AFP) – A cruise ship docked in Sydney Harbour
Seeing the first cruise ship to arrive in Sydney for more than two years today was all too much for Tina.
The mother was crying as she watched Pacific Explorer sail into the harbour, with son Adam and daughter Serene.
“I can’t help myself,” she said.
She has just booked five cruises in the next eight months
“I’m crazy but this is surreal this is my dream,” she told A Current Affair.
One man said he drove 900km from Toowoomba to witness the moment.
Two years on, he brought the first one back.
“I absolutely cannot believe it,” he said.
“Can’t believe what I’m seeing right in front of me. She’s finally back in Sydney Harbour.”
But what is it about cruising that makes these people so fanatical?
Just ask Robert.
“Such great value for money, morning to night accommodation, meals, music, first class shows, you’ve got pools, waterslides, ” he said.
Zoltina Medwick Daley is the ship’s Entertainment Director.
“It was a heart breaking time two years ago to be sent out but we are here, we are back and we can’t wait to have people back on our ships again,” she said.
Pacific Explorer has been anchored off Cyprus for much the last two years.
Zoltina and crew now have to undergo strict COVID-19 procedures before disembarking.
All the crew have tested negative of course.
Entertainer Mark Trevorrow, best known as Bob Downe, can’t wait to get back onboard.
“That’s the one I was last on in March 2020 when all our gigs were cancelled, I am so excited, ” he said.
“I can practically smell the buffet from here.”
Over the next month or so, Pacific Explorer will get a spring clean before the first passengers board on May 31, Carnival Cruise Line’s David Jones, said.
“Every piece of equipment has to be checked – from the espresso bar to the ice cream machines,” he said.
9NEWS
