The first tourist cruise liner since Cyclone Winston, ‘Seabourn Odyssey’, docked into Lautoka Port yesterday morning.

The glorious sun greeted 417 tourists as far as Switzerland, Austria and Belgium.

Captain David Bathgate said he was delighted and it was a privilege for him to come to Fiji.

“At the same time, it is also sad to see those affected by Tropical Cyclone Winston,” he said.

“We have collected around 13,000 dollars and clothes to give to Red Cross to help the victims of this cyclone.

“It makes no difference whether there was a cyclone or not, we still love to travel to Fiji because of the friendly people,” said the Scottish origin mariner.

Meanwhile, David Sevage and Susan Sevage, from Wales said it felt like the right situation to be here.

“Though we are just passing we feel like just giving out a helping hand,” he said.

“I will encourage my friend and families to travel to Fiji because this one of the most beautiful islands in the Pacific with wonderful and friendly people.”

His friend, George Sharp also uttered the same sentiments.

“I was here two years with my family, this is my second trip and I am planning to visit again,” he said.

The cruise liner was expected to travel to Dravuni in Kadavu next.

The 32,346 ton Seabourn Odyssey is a luxury cruise ship registered in Nassau, Bahamas. It features suites with verandahs for its passengers.