Cruise passengers praise welcoming town

An American tourist has written to Port Hedland Visitor Centre praising the local community for being so accommodating and welcoming during a recent visit with his wife.

Brian Cousins was aboard the MS Radiance of the Sea when it docked in Port Hedland on November 13 and attended the Cruise Ship Markets at the Courthouse Gallery.

In the letter, Mr Cousins said he felt compelled to send a thank-you to the community of Port Hedland after a wonderful day in the town.

“We were prepared for the day from the ship’s information, regarding ‘red dust’, heat, small community, etc but we were not told of the overwhelming welcoming of your community,” he said.

“It was very apparent to us ... that the entire community was pitching in that day to show hospitality to the guests looking to tour the town.”

Mr Cousins said in the letter he and his wife were “touched” and “humbled” that the community came out in force to give the cruise ship passengers a goodbye to remember.

“The biggest surprise, which touched my wife and I, was the large community presence during our departure,” he wrote.

“The coastline seemed to be simply filled with residents out to say ‘goodbye’ ‘thank you’ and watch just another ship leave port — but full of people vs iron ore.”

Port Hedland Visitor Centre manager Natasha Fry said the cruise ship visits were always a welcome event during spring.

“Each visit, a range of small businesses brave the heat to ensure the cruise ship visitors feel welcome. They help to showcase the diversity and energy of Port Hedland and put a human face to the visitor experience,” she said.

Ms Fry said the letter was a nice example of the kind of feedback received each time they host a ship in Port Hedland and the comments always resonate around the community welcome.

“A lot of work goes into the planning and receiving of the cruise ships. The visitor centre, Town of Port Hedland and the Pilbara Ports Authority, to name a few, work to ensure the visitor experience is welcoming and best reflects our town,” she said.

“Receiving this kind of feedback from satisfied passengers makes it all worthwhile.”

Ms Fry said Radiance of the Sea brought about 2500 passengers into the port, with many visitors taking part in tours encapsulating Port Hedland’s industry, history, nature and lifestyle.