This year has seen a full season of cruise ships visiting Port Douglas and this week has been no exception.  We have just enjoyed a cruise ship double header with two luxury cruise ships popping into see us within three days of each other. 

The Sun Princess came aboard on Sunday 26th and the Pacific Dawn moored off the coast on wednesday 29th Sept.   The Meridien Marina was buzzing with people trying to locate their pre-booked tours and trips and of course a whole bunch of passengers who just wanted to have a cold drink and a bit of a 'sticky beak' around Port Douglas.

The town was full of excited cruise passengers who were treated to some exceptional weather on both days to enjoy on their reef and rainforest trips.  

These two P&O cruise liners were carrying a high proportion of families and many of them cruised around town having a great time on the beach and around the shops. 

A good percentage of this family group demographic of visitor will undoubtedly be encouraged to return to Port Douglas for a full holiday  at a later date now that they have discovered just how family friendly the town and surrounding areas are.  It's great to see the town awash with visitors even if it is only for the day. 

The cruise ship market has developed into such an important part of the towns mix of tourists that we now enjoy.   Next year 2011, will be an even bigger year with at least 24 cruise ships already booked to visit throughout the year which is 7 more than this year (2010). 

Over the past 3 years since the first tentative steps were taken to host the cruise ships, Port Douglas certainly has established itself as a must see must do.   Congratulations should go Jason Roles, Meridien Marina GM and his team of local business volunteers for their efforts.