MS EUROPA 2 drops anchor on the Southern Great Barrier Reef
Posted on February 15th, 2023
Visitors and locals who were out and about making the most of the Capricorn Coast’s sunshine on Sunday were treated with a spectacular sight as they glanced out over Keppel Bay to Great Keppel Island.
The 226-metre giant carrying over 500 passengers and a crew of 370 cruised into the Southern Great Barrier Reef waters over the weekend, encouraging its guests to take an independent hike through unspoilt nature, snorkel beautiful coral gardens, or simply relax on the fine white sands of our barefoot paradise.
Owned by Hapag-Lloyd AG and operated by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the German based cruise line, MS EUROPA 2 kicked off its journey from Sydney on Tuesday 7th February, stopping briefly in Brisbane before continuing to Great Keppel Island for the day.
Destined for Indonesia later this month, the ship will spend the coming days in Australia visiting Airlie Beach, Townsville, Cairns, and Darwin before hitting the high seas for the remainder of its voyage.
Boasting a 5-star-plus rating by the Berlitz Cruise Guide 2020, EUROPA 2 guests are treated with the highest level of casual luxury and indulgence between experiencing some of the world’s most beautiful destinations.
Home to more than 14 cruise destinations including five active cruise berths (Brisbane, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Townsville and Cairns) and many moorings (Moreton Island, Mooloolaba, Fraser Island, Great Keppel Island, Whitsundays, Dunk Island, Yorkeys Knob, Port Douglas, Cooktown and Thursday Island), Queensland is a very strategic destination for some cruise ship brands, with the State having the second largest economic impact generated from the cruise industry in Australia.
Prior to COVID-19 wiping out the cruise industry temporarily, a total of 379 cruise ship days were spent along Queensland shores, bringing in 583,000 passengers and providing an Economic Output of $832 million to the sunshine state.
The day quickly became busy for Denis Cox from Great Keppel Island Hideaway and his team, who eagerly welcomed approximately 200 tendered guests.
“The island became a buzz of excitement with guests swimming, shopping, walking, exploring, taking photos, enjoying a cocktail and meal, and more,” Denis said.
“The Ship berthed on a picture-perfect Keppel day, and we couldn’t have asked for better conditions for visitors to experience our piece of paradise.”
Capricorn Enterprise CEO, Mary Carroll was thrilled to see Great Keppel Island in EUROPA’s itinerary which was a change to the original itinerary and updated on their website, following the imminent threat of Cyclone Gabrielle further to the East.
However, the diversion to Great Keppel Island and it’s promotion as a pristine stopover for guest to explore white sandy beaches, coral gardens and walking tracks, on the Southern Great Barrier Reef was due to years of proactive advocacy with Tourism and Events Queensland and cruise companies to ensure our destination is included in positive marketing.
View Tourism and Events Queensland’s Cruise page here.
“Knowing the importance of cruise tourism, and the economic and social impacts that it has on a destination, we have worked hard to encourage ships to explore Keppel Bay,” Mary said.
“Over the years, Capricorn Enterprise has hosted cruise ship companies such as P&O, who visited our ferry and island operators, but unfortunately the lack of a jetty on Great Keppel Island has hindered our position on itineraries.”
“It was so wonderful to see EUROPA drop anchor for the day in Keppel Bay, and we know that the passengers who tendered to the island will have left with great memories and unforgettable experiences and will hopefully return to spend more time in our destination.”
Capricorn Enterprise, alongside our Island operators and greater local tourism industry, will continue advocating with relevant parties for the inclusion of a jetty on Great Keppel Island which will enhance our standing with major cruise companies.
Watch the drone footage – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qeJcFbuYOdpeoN_ZvNpsqJzrFAGmt93_/view?usp=sharing
