The MS Amsterdam arrived into Alofi, Niue on the 1st of February. This ship has a capacity of 1400 passengers and 600 crew (more than the population of Niue!) so it was certain to make an impact and it did!
The first passengers disembarked at 7am (around 600 in all visited for the day) and the Niue Tourism team were there to greet and guide people to various tours, rental cars and town itself. A traditional drummer also welcomed the dozens of tender boats in as they arrived to get people into the island mood.
The local shopping area had been transformed into a market place for the day with live entertainment, local produce and art for sale. The local Tuesday market was also in full swing. Many of the visitors got into the spirit of the day and got up to dance with the Niuean cultural groups. Shops had record revenue for the day as the tourists descended on Alofi before exploring the entire island where every bus and van and rental car was used to get people around.
A huge success and from talking to the hundreds of people that came off the ship one that they will remember, many were already planning their return particularly during the whale season from July. Lonely plant say it’s on the worlds unmissbale, under the radar destinations and these international visitors certainly found out why.
Niue Tourism’s Hayden Porter said “The cruise market has in the past been a non affair, but a huge community effort this time around saw some massive benefits for local businesses and satisfied tourists.”
With another large ship due in 2 weeks and many cruise operators now making enquiries for the 2012 and beyond seasons Niue is certainly a cruise destination that will be on the must visit while in the Pacific.
Source: Niue Tourism
