Nov 19 - Willis Island

 Nov 19 - Willis Island

Slow start to the day with a late breakfast.  We each did our own thing waiting for our approach to Willis Island in the Coral Sea.

It was listed as a ‘Service Call’ to Willis Island, whatever that means as we did not stop!  There is a law in the US, the Passenger Vessel Services Act which requires ships flagged outside of the US ( and most, if not all ship are foreign flagged) to make a call in a foreign country in their itinerary.  

Apparently to comply with Australian Tax law ships must make this foreign stop.  According to Cruise Critic, ‘ Yes, it is considered an international port "visit" so that duty free can be sold onboard during the cruise. The actual visit is a cruise-by, sometimes with a commentary from one of the Willis Island staff. ’

Hutch our destination expert gave a commentary, and one of the meteorologists from Willis Island also spoke via telephone about what it’s like, the work they do, the maintenance of the island etc.

The island came into view off in the distance

As we got closer we could see the Silver Nova, the ship that was in port with us yesterday in Cairns, sailing away after their ‘stop’.

So that was the big highlight for today!

The show is a repeat, so we’ll have to decide whether we go! The singers and dancers always have great costumes and put on a lively show, so it might be better than TV!!

Another sea day tomorrow!

😁😁