PORT of Airlie celebrated a milestone on the weekend with the first cruise ship passengers through the marina.

Of the 200 passengers from luxury cruise ship The World, about 120 took the 25-minute tender ride from the mother ship anchored in Pioneer Bay to the marina's F arm, directly in front of Denman Cellars.

Launched in 2002, The World is the largest privately owned, residential yacht on earth with 165 luxury apartment-style cabins. A diverse group of residents from 19 countries own the homes aboard and circumnavigate the globe every two to three years following an extraordinary itinerary that they select.

Port of Airlie general manager Andrew Forster said to have The World's private apartment owners choose Airlie Beach and the Port of Airlie marina was exceptional.

Mr Forster said the passengers were all delighted to find retail shops directly in front of where they came ashore and that it was only a very short walk to the main street of Airlie Beach.

He said he was confident many other cruise ship operators would want to have their clients experience coming ashore in the Whitsundays at the Port of Airlie.

Volunteer ambassador co-ordinator Judi Dunn said The World was one of three very different ships visiting in May, bringing 3123 people into town, with 684 booking tours.

Sea Princess visited on May 20 and Pacific Dawn called by on May 26, with passengers from these ships coming in at Abell Point Marina. As for The World, Ms Dunn said nearly all of its residents said they wanted to stay for longer.