It's only a boat?

We heard this said by a gentleman yesterday - "It's only a boat?" - this probably was in wonderment as to why it attracted such a crowd to Warrenpoint yesterday to watch the Saga Pearl II''s arrival and departure from Warrenpoint Port.

While it was clearly only a boat, it was also about so much more. It was a demonstration of vision, courage and determination to make such a thing happen. The vision was to think it possible to have a cruise ship of holiday makers visit Warrenpoint. The courage and determination was to make it a reality as we seen yesterday.

The local people and businesses did not let us down by making the visitors welcome. It feels good to any visiting tourist to know that the local people are glad to see them and are friendly. The cafes and restaurants welcomed them and had the opportunity to let them see what we have got.

This is community at work. The fayre in the park, the dipslay of our culture - with the hilarious portrayal of an Irish wake. People came out in their thousands to not just see a boat but to support the organisers and show that we care. It was a carnival atmosphere and it was superb to see.

The visitors had a great time in our town. They loved it and we who are lucky to live in this area know why.

As we waved them goodbye and bid them a safe journey onwards, we can have no doubt that some of these people will be back. They will tell their friends of the great time they had in Warrenpoint. We can certainly look forward to more cruise ships coming are way.

It was only a boat but it was a brilliant boat for what it did for Warrenpoint yesterday.

What did you think of the day? Comment below.