Cruise ship visits ESP on maiden trip

THE people of Kopar village on the mouth of the Sepik River in East Sepik were excited to welcome tourists on French cruise ship L’Austral on her maiden voyage to the region.
More than 200 tourists, mainly French and about 40 Australians, used zodiacs to motor into Kopar where they were met by enthusiastic villagers, including three traditional dancing groups and traditionally-dressed elementary school children singing the national anthem.
L’Austral is part of Ponant Cruises of France with co-owner Captain Lemaire Jean-Philippe leading the land tours to Kopar village. Kopar villagers were so excited with his visit that they made him an honorary chief of the village.
Jean-Philippe promised to bring his cruise ships back and he appealed to the people to maintain the authenticity of their traditions and cultures.
“Keep your traditions and cultures  because they are so beautiful,” he said.
Expedition coordinator Justin Friend of Austronesian Expeditions, said Ponant Cruises was building four more cruise ships, with one to visit PNG six times a year from next year.