By MARAIA VULA
The magnificent cruise ship Queen Victoria made her maiden visit to the Port of Suva yesterday.
In light of this a special presentation by Fiji Ports Corporation Limited was made to the vessel to commemorate its visit.
Witnessing the auspicious occasion were members of the media followed by a tour around the ship by crew. The tour was organised by agents Pacific Agencies (Fiji) Limited.
Queen Victoria is named after the late British monarch, Queen Victoria and owned by Carnival Corporation & plc and operated by Cunard Line.
The local agent looking after it is Pacific Agencies (Fiji) Limited.
Agency general manager Craig Strong said: “It’s very rare that a vessel like the Queen Victoria calls into Fiji and this is in fact the first time she is visiting Suva.”
Ports operations general manager Eminoni Kurusiga handed over a plaque as is the port’s tradition to Captain Inger Thorhauge.
Mr Kurusiga said: “We welcome you to Suva although the weather is unfavorable to you as Fiji is normally a sun shine place.
“We are currently in the cyclone season at the moment nonetheless we commemorate your first visit this year and we hope there will be many more visits to Suva,” he said.
Captain Thorhauge said: “It’s a pleasure to be here although we expected sunny Fiji but nevertheless it’s a nice place.
“We are very happy to be here and thank you so much and we are honored,” she said.
Mr Strong highlighted: “As the local handling agent through Carnival UK we are delighted to be able to facilitate the first of many local media visits, given the importance of the tourism sector in Fiji’s economy.
“The media tour as well is a unique one as the Queen Victoria is captained by a lady, Captain Thorhauge.”
n More about the tour in next Wednesday’s Shipping edition.
The Queen Victoria at Port of Suva yesterday. The vessel made her maiden voyage to Fiji. Photo: PAULINI RATULAILAI