Carnival Spirit was headed for Tangalooma over the weekend when it was unable to fit, so instead called in at Mooloolaba.
According to News Corp, the cruise ship arrived at 6.30am on Saturday morning, bringing 2500 unexpected guests to the Sunshine Coast.
Not to mention the estimated $250,000 injection into the economy the ship brought with it.
Per News Corp, Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Simon Latchford said, “We had had a really full on week and it was about 4.30pm on Friday when they called up and said they couldn’t get in, and asking if they could dock here instead,” he said.
“The cruise ship business is very important to us; they average about a quarter of a million dollars each for the region so it is a big bonus.
“It doesn’t just benefit Mooloolaba; it washes through the whole community.”
The pleasant surprise saw Visit Sunshine pull its socks up and show the passengers a good time, ferrying them on buses to attractions like the Eumundi Markets and SEA LIFE.
Latchford told News Corp it was a collaborative effort between Visit Sunshine Coast, the council and ambassadors, to make the unexpected stopover such a success.
“It was a great opportunity to show what we can do at short notice,” he said.
“We average eight to 12 ships cruise ships each year, which is quite significant.
“We are working hard at getting more.”
Tangalooma, watch your back, Sunshine Coast is coming for ya!
SEE WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING