DON’T worry, the famous Phillip Island Penguin Parade will be open tonight, Wednesday, February 14, for the guests from the latest cruise ship to anchor off Rhyll in Western Port, the Viking Neptune, but there have had to be some hasty alterations made to their itinerary while on shore.
The ship has a capacity of 928 guests and 465 staff.
It’s all about natural attractions, said a spokesperson for Destination Phillip Island Regional Tourism Board, and of course, being Valentine’s Day, they could always take a stroll along ‘Lovers’ Walk’ in Cowes.
“They’ll be offering them taxi rides to the Nobbies for a look at the seals and the blow hole, there are the Island’s walking tracks, beautiful beaches to see, the electric bikes are still running and two of the supermarkets are open.
“The Chocolate Factory is closed, Amaz’n’Things, the bowling alley and places like that.
“We’re focusing on the natural attractions.”
But it may not have been the Valentine’s Day on the Island that the visitors and locals expected.
Deputy Mayor of Bass Coast, Cr Rochelle Halstead said today she sympathised with hospitality venues which had geared up for Vlentine's Day celebrations.
"I imagine there are a lot of fridges full of the oysters and other supplies that people get in to cater to guests coming out to celebrate that are no longer going to be needed," Cr Halstead said, with power off, bookings cancelled and venues closed to what would have been a full book of reservations.
