Tears of joy at return of cruise passengers return
A FLAG-WAVING and slightly emotional welcome committee greeted the first cruise passengers to arrive in Guernsey for two-and-a-half years yesterday morning.
Along with a balloon arch and a band, it was a special welcome for the Hanseatic Spirit to signal the return of the first big ships to Guernsey waters since the start of the pandemic.
The first person to greet the guests was Economic Development tourism lead Simon Vermeulen, who briefly spoke to the first tender’s passengers before they disembarked at the Albert Pier. ‘I explained to them that they were our first and we were so happy to have them with us,’ he said.
‘I’m so pleased to see them back. It’s just great,’ added Deputy Vermeulen, who has 43 years’ experience in the visitor industry.
Pier manager Isabel de Menezes had to wipe away a tear or two at the arrival.
‘I have been in the industry for 42 years,’ she said. ‘We lost our industry and we lost our visitors.’
There were 126 passengers on board but Mrs de Menezes said officials were not sure how many were coming ashore. ‘We’re hoping they all will,’ she said.
Also on-hand to see the day-trippers was Economic Development president Neil Inder.
It was the first time that the island had greeted a cruise ship since he took over the helm of the committee.
Although it was Good Friday he thought some shops would be open in Town for those who ventured in. ‘It’s all up to the retailers – there are customers coming and to open their shops to receive them.
‘It all adds to the economy.’
There are almost 90 ships expected this year and while Deputy Inder was pleased that so many were coming, he said he wished it could be 200.
‘We’ve all had a miserable couple of years and it’s good to see happy passengers coming to enjoy a great experience.
‘They are happy people and they are going to tell the world how great Guernsey is.’
He was optimistic for the coming visitor season in general. ‘I genuinely think we are going to have very good tourism season.'
