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Cruise ship visits Kangaroo Island

2 December 2008

The first of two cruise ships to visit Kangaroo Island this summer arrived this week.

The $42 million, 7,000-tonne MS Bremen, with up to 188 passengers and 100 crew, docked off Kingscote, allowing passengers to spend the afternoon experiencing the island's wildlife, attractions, food and wine.

The MS Bremen is a specially built, ice-strengthened eco-cruise ship, which makes regular tours to eco destinations, including South America - where it journeys up the Amazon River - and Antarctica.

Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith says the visit by the MS Bremen is one of five cruise ship arrivals this season to regional South Australian destinations.

"Each arrival by a cruise ship is worth thousands of dollars to the local economy, so it is great news that both Port Lincoln and Kingscote will welcome cruise ships this season," Dr Lomax-Smith says.

"The South Australian Government has worked hard to raise the profile of our State's regional cruise ship destinations, and that work is paying off this season.

"Unspoilt wilderness and unique coastal experiences are two of South Australia's key strengths as a tourism destination, and both the Eyre Peninsula and Kangaroo Island offer the chance to cruise ship passengers to experience these attractions."

During the 2008-09 season, South Australia will host a record 18 cruise ship arrivals in total, with up to 22,368 passengers and 10,211 crew on board.

Dr Lomax-Smith says cruising injects billions of dollars each year into the Australian economy.