P&O Cruises’ Pacific Eden (pictured above) became the largest cruise ship to visit the remote area of Gizo in the Solomon Islands last Fri as part of a history-making voyage.
On Sat the ship also made its maiden call to the new Honiara City wharf, becoming the first cruise ship and largest vessel to stop in there.
“From the moment our guests got off the ship, they were made to feel welcome,” P&O’s president Sture Myrmell said.
“Our ship’s tenders were greeted and escorted to shore by a traditional war “tomoko” canoe, paddled by 26 locals.
“The main road was closed to create a pedestrian walk and lined with traditional arts and crafts stalls staffed by locals, including wood carvers from all over the Western Province who came to the city to sell handcrafted souvenirs”.
Pacific Eden will return to Gizo and Honiara at the end of this month and she will make a further three visits to the Solomon Islands in 2017.
The cruise industry contributes about $640,000 to the Solomon Islands each year in direct and indirect economic impact.
Prior to Pacific Eden putting the Gizo on her itineraries, only smaller expedition style ships have visited the city.
