Flinders Ports will welcome the largest ever cruise ship to visit Port Adelaide when Ovation of the Seas arrives at the Port Adelaide Passenger Terminal on Sunday 11 December. Accommodating over 4,900 passengers on 16 guest decks, the luxury liner is a star attraction and will receive an official reception to mark her maiden visit to Adelaide. The arrival of Ovation of the Seas is part of a remarkable year for the state’s cruise business. The 2016-17 cruise season will see a record breaking 52 cruise ships and over 100,000 passengers and crew call at South Australian ports.
“We are delighted that Royal Caribbean is bringing Ovation of the Seas to Adelaide and we look forward to welcoming her at an official reception,” said Captain Carl Kavina, General Manager, Marine Operations, Flinders Ports.
As part of a maritime tradition, Flinders Ports always presents a symbolic plaque in the shape of a porthole to the Captain of every cruise ship that arrives at one of the company’s ports for the first time.
“It’s a special honour for us to officially welcome every new cruise liner that visits our ports,” said Captain Kavina.
Flinders Ports works with the South Australian Tourism Commission and local volunteers to ensure that passengers have the best possible embarkation and disembarkation experience when they visit the company’s South Australian ports. Port workers typically work towards a cruise ship’s arrival from the early hours of the morning with different shift teams working through from arrival to departure.
“The cruise industry is an important and growing sector for our business and for our state. Arriving in port is part of each passenger’s holiday, so it’s important that we deliver the highest possible level of service,” Captain Kavina said.
