Cruise Ships
 
            17 June 1991          15c, 80c, $1.30, $1.80                               Mint and CTO        $4.05
                                                                                                             FDC                       $4.55
Technical Details

        Release Date:                    17 June 1991
        Tablet Values:                   15c, 80c, $1.30, $1.80
        Artist:                                Ernest Nisbet
        Printer:                              Leigh-Mardon Pty Limited
        Process:                            Lithography
        Paper:                               CA Watermark
        Stamp Size:                       27.94 x 44.45 mm
        Pane Format:                    50 (2 x 25)
        Mint and CTO:                 $4.05
        First Day Cover:               $4.55

Everyone knows the important part shipping plays in the life of Pitcairn.  Supply ships are the island's lifeline; other cargo vessels including tankers and bulk carriers provide an opportunity to trade or despatch mail; naval vessels sometimes provide medical assistance or supply fuel; fishing boats cause brief distraction; yachts, sometimes more of a nuisance than anything else, occasionally provide extra hands to move cargo on supply ship day.

And the cruise ships.  Among their names - Bergensfjord, President Wilson, Yankee Trader, Lindblad Explorer, Mikhail Lermontov, Society Explorer, Maxim Gorki, Dane, Rotterdam, Royal Viking Sea, Berlin, Royal Viking Sky, Europa (15c stamp), Royal Viking Star (80c stamp), World Discoverer ($1.30 stamp), Sagafjord ($1.80 stamp).  Many of these are well-known vessels; beautiful ships offering the best possible service with style.

Eagerly anticipated for weeks before its arrival, the visit of a cruise ship sees all hands busily employed in every spare moment: carving, polishing, weaving and painting.

With passenger and crew sometimes outnumbering the entire local population by ten or more to one, a wonderful opportunity is provided for trading.