The ship berthed off Christmas Cove at Penneshaw on Friday but “lumpy” seas and the breakdown of one of the tenders meant only about 380 of the 1000 passengers and crew aboard made the trip to the island.

A sub-committee of Tourism KI had arranged walking tours of the town, shuttle buses to Kingscote and around Penneshaw, tours to local wineries and a fleet of hire cars was booked. A further 160 were booked on tours to the west end to Seal Bay and Flinders Chase.

TKI chairman Piere Gregor said while the numbers had been disappointing, those who had arrived on the island had enjoyed the experience, from feedback received so far.

He said the sub-committee would meet soon to discuss the visit. “TKI had representatives there all day and received some outstanding feedback from passengers. They were impressed by the friendliness of the locals and appreciated the welcoming committee.

“Everything went smoothly and it is a good rehearsal for the large ships to come,” Mr Gregor said.

Betty McAdam organized a local produce tasting stall outside the Penneshaw IGA.

“People who tasted produce then bought oil, honey, KI Biscuits and cheese from the IGA, which will now keep a permanent local produce display,” Ms McAdam said.

One Kingscote retailer said the shift to Penneshaw was a blow for Kingscote. He had only one Athena visitor on Friday.

“She told me the cruise director didn’t have information. She ended up phoning Tourism SA from the boat to find out if there was a shuttle bus to Kingscote.”