By
Rebecca Gibson |
P&O Cruises’ Pacific Jewel called at Dili in Timor-Leste on 13 June, marking the first time the Southeast Asian island has welcomed a cruise ship since becoming a sovereign state in 2002.
Local citizens from Timor-Leste, which became the first sovereign state of the 21st century in 2002 following a long struggle for independence, welcomed Pacific Jewel and around 2,000 guests. The ship called after an extensive drydock refurbishment in Singapore.
“After years of struggle, Timor-Leste finally won its independence only in 2002, but even five years ago few could have imagined nearly 2,000 cruise tourists going ashore in Dili,” said Ann Sherry, Carnival Australia CEO. “Australia has strong ties to Timor-Leste on its path to nationhood and there is no doubt that Australians have been willing the Timorese people and their country to succeed. So, the arrival of the first cruise ship is an affirmation of Timor-Leste’s potential as an attractive cruise destination and the part tourism can play to build its economy.”
P&O’s Pacific Eden will call at Dili in September 2016 and the line hopes to plan more calls in future.
“Having hundreds of cruise visitors come ashore in Dili to experience the sights, sounds and culture of Timor-Leste is another positive stepping stone in the country’s progress as a free and independent nation,” said Steve Bracks, special adviser on governance to the Timor-Leste Prime Minister.