''It's the maiden visit of the ship here so most people are probably seeing Phuket for the first time,'' said Bangornrat Shinaprayoon. Regional director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
''Day trips are likely. Among the activities we have organised are city tours, golf, shopping and spa trips.''
While none of the 2500 visitors from the superliner will be spending money on overnight resort accommodation or dinner on Phuket on Wednesday, Khun Bangornrat reckons they will spend at least 4000 baht per person on the island.
''Phuket is ideal for this kind of stop because there is so much to do and getting around does not eat into your time very much.''
She thought some people would certainly try diving.
Cruise ships are becoming increasingly important for Phuket and the region, with both Singapore and Hong Kong developing new facilities.
The Queen Mary 2, which is loaded with things-to-do of exceptional quality, will sail overnight on Wednesday from Phuket to Penang in Malaysia, where passengers will have a similar day's outing.
A local market of shops selling Phuket souvenirs at the Cape Panwa Deep Sea Port is probably already doing well, thanks to the presence of the USS Nimitz and its companion warships.
Khun Bangornrat said more cruise ships were heading Phuket's way this year.
Here's what the Cunard line's online site says about Phuket: ''A full province of Thailand, Phuket's mountainous interior is densely forested with mahogany, rubber trees, tropical evergreen, royal palm, ficus, and bamboo. A hippy haven until the Seventies when it burst upon the pleasure-seekers' scene, Phuket seems well able to handle its popularity as Asia's premier resort. Diving is superb in the warm waters of the Andaman Sea. Villages still maintain a semblance of 'tradition'. Photographers can head for the striking seascapes of limestone pillars in Phang Nga Bay and most of all - the beaches are the best.''
Several suggested shore excursions on Phuket are listed.
What would you advise a passenger from the Queen Mary 2 to do in nine-and-a -half hours of daylight on Phuket? Tell us please, via the Comment box below.
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So they'll spend a total of at least B4000 each whilst here? That's about enough for a Gatorade after the taxis are finished with them !!
Posted by Mister Ree on February 1, 2010 19:49