TOURISM on the Sunshine Coast has received a surprise injection after a Carnival Spirit cruise ship headed for Tangalooma docked at Mooloolaba this morning.

Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Simon Latchford said the ship, which arrived at 6.30am, had brought with it more than 2500 passengers.

"We had had a really full on week and it was about 4.30pm on Friday when they called up and said they couldn't get in, and asking if they could dock here instead,” he said.

"The cruise ship business is very important to us; they average about a quarter of a million dollars each for the region so it is a big bonus.

"It doesn't just benefit Mooloolaba; it washes through the whole community.”

After docking at the wharf, passengers were welcomed by the Visit Sunshine Coast team before boarding buses to attractions including the Eumundi Markets and SEA LIFE.

Mr Latchford said it had been a team effort between Visit Sunshine Coast, the council and ambassadors.

"It was a great opportunity to show what we can do at short notice,” he said.

"We average eight to 12 ships cruise ships each year, which is quite significant.

"We are working hard at getting more.”