Last Sunday, 29 January 2012, the cruise ship mv. Discovery tied up alongside the Yos Sudarso Pier of Ambon on Sunday, marking the start for the recovery of cruise tourism to Ambon, in the province of Maluku.

Tourism to Ambon, once a favorite destination as the original Spice Islands, has stalled when social unrest occurred in 1999. Before 1999, some 7 cruise ships used to call on Ambon per year, carrying between 400 to 800 passengers each.

The Discovery carried 440 passengers, including tourists from America, Britain, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. The ship was personally welcomed at the pier by the Mayor of Ambon, Richard Louhenapessy, accompanied by traditional dances and music. Passengers toured the island and bought attractive handicrafts.

After visiting Ambon , the 163 meters long Discovery will return to Darwin, Australia, having called on Bali and Komodo , Flores. President Director of PT Sandy Delima Tour and Travel, Hellen S de Lima, handling the ship said that this year three other cruise ships are expected to call on Ambon, with another two having already confirmed their arrival next year. Meanwhile, from Kupang, Flores it is reported that the Seabourn Legend has also just called on Kupang in East Flores in the East Nusatenggara province.

(Source: Kompas)

Photo Courtesy beritadaerah.com