More than 1700 people set to arrive in Bunbury on weekend when MS Artania cruise ship comes in to port

More than 1700 people will hit Bunbury on the weekend when the MS Artania cruise ship arrives on Saturday. The vessel — which contains 1200 guests, mostly from Germany, and more than 500 crew members — is scheduled to dock at the end of Jetty Road on Saturday at 8am. The Artania, which is chartered by German-based travel agency and cruise ship operator Phoenix Reisen, is on its way from Sydney to Indonesia, with Bunbury set to be its sixth stop on a 23-day cruise. City of Bunbury mayor Jaysen Miguel said they were thrilled to welcome the MS Artania to Bunbury. “The visit is not only a testament to Bunbury’s appeal as a tourist destination but also a significant boost to our local economy,” he said. “The influx of visitors will benefit our incredible local businesses, from cafes and restaurants to tour operators and retail shops — and we know they’ll be impressed. “I know the city’s teams are working diligently to ensure Bunbury is looking its best, with city centre street cleaning and extra care around our public spaces.” Mr Miguel said they were excited to share the city’s attractions such as the Bunbury Wildlife Park, the Dolphin Discovery Centre and scenic tours. “Our amazing Bunbury Visitor Centre staff will be on hand to provide maps, information and guidance to ensure our guests have a memorable visit,” he said. “I encourage all residents to join us in welcoming the MS Artania and its passengers, and to take pride in the role we all play in making Bunbury a top destination for travellers.” The ship is scheduled to leave port at 9pm on the same day. The arrival comes after the HMAS Hobart and HMAS Warramunga arrived in Bunbury Port last Friday for maintenance and provision restocking.