Maasdam carries more than 1200 into Bunbury

The first cruise ship of the year sailed into Bunbury’s Outer Harbour on Saturday morning.

The Maasdam carried more than 1200 people into the region before it departed in the afternoon.

Cruise Bunbury acting chairman Mark Exeter said a ship that size could contribute between $200,000 and $250,000 to the economy.

“We have received excellent passenger feedback, with many complimenting the live music that was played as the ship was arriving into the Outer Harbour,” he said.

“Some of the passengers took day tours, including a Three Waters cruise up the Collie River.

“The majority came into town for shopping and sightseeing. Passengers visited the new Dolphin Discovery Centre, the Bunbury Wildlife Park and the CBD.”

The Holland America Line ship was the third to visit Bunbury in just over three weeks.

Mayor Gary Brennan said it was sensational to see so many international and interstate visitors out and about in the city.

“Close to 90 per cent of passengers chose to stay in Bunbury for the day,” he said.

Bunbury Geographe Tourism Partnership tourism marketing and development manager Michelle McCully said she looked forward to welcoming the ship back in a year.

“We look forward to working in collaboration with Cruise Bunbury and relevant stakeholders to make the region a desirable cruise ship destination,” she said.