Weipa will roll out the red carpet for passengers on a cruise ship that is expected to dock in October.

The 100-odd passengers aboard Caledonian Sky will get the VIP treatment, says Weipa Town Authority chair Michael Rowland.

“We don’t get a lot of cruise ships to Weipa and I think the domestic cruises in Australia are going to take off,” he said.

“In the past, I don’t think the town has been well prepared for the arrivals and this time we want to make sure the guests are shown the best of what Weipa has to offer.”

Mr Rowland said WTA elected member Jaime Gane would be tasked with making sure Weipa and Napranum businesses were ready for the arrival, expected to be on October 7.

“With COVID impacting international travel plans, I think we are going to see a lot more domestic tourism and if we can get a few of these cruise ships every year, it would be great for our local businesses,” Mr Rowland said on Friday.

“The important thing is to show them a good time and offer a variety of things to see and do in the short time they are on the ground.”

This article appeared in Cape York Weekly, 1 March 2021.