The arrival of Crown Princess into Newcastle Harbour last week officially launched a bumper cruise season for the region, with more than 30,000 cruise tourists set to visit over the coming months.
Carrying more than 3,000 passengers and 1,200 crew, the 290-metre Crown Princess is the first of a record 18 cruise ships scheduled to dock in Newcastle between October and April, including five maiden arrivals, making it the city’s biggest cruise season to date.
From Newcastle’s vibrant coastal culture and attractions to wineries in the Hunter Valley, the Chocolate Factory on the Central Coast, Port Stephens Koala Santuary and dolphin watching and sand dune experiences off the coast of Port Stephens, cruise passengers provide a significant boost to local tourism operators and businesses.
Supporting this growth is the Newcastle Cruise Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which brings together Port Authority, Destination Sydney Surrounds North, Newcastle Tourism Industry Group and seven local councils to promote the region and grow its tourist offerings for visiting cruise ships.
Port Authority of NSW CEO John McKenna said the long-term development of cruise in regional NSW was having a positive impact on local communities.
“Cruise schedules naturally fluctuate from year to year, but it’s fantastic to see Newcastle welcoming its biggest cruise season on record this year,” Mr McKenna said.
“Over the longer term, cruise visitation to Newcastle has increased steadily by around 13% on average year-on-year, over the past decade.
“We’re proud to safely pilot these vessels into Newcastle and continue to support industry and government efforts to strengthen the region’s appeal as a key cruise destination through the MoU partnership.”
Destination Sydney Surrounds North General Manager Glenn Caldwell said Newcastle’s growing reputation as a cruise destination was helping introduce more visitors to the region.
“A cruise visit is often a traveller’s first taste of Newcastle and the surrounding regions, and we’re seeing growing interest in the incredible experiences available both on the coast and across the broader region,” Mr Caldwell said.
“Recent passenger survey results have been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the strong impressions visitors are taking away from their time in the region.
“With cruise estimated to contribute around $20 million to the local economy each year, every ship visit provides an opportunity for all of us to showcase what makes this part of NSW such a compelling destination and encourage visitors to return in the future.”
Newcastle Tourism Industry Group Secretary Stewart Ford said the city’s Welcome Volunteers played an important role in helping tourists make the most of their time in the region.
“Our volunteers help create a warm welcome and connect visitors with the attractions, experiences and local businesses that make this part of NSW so special,” Mr Ford said.
“With a record number of visitors expected this season, support from Port Authority’s Community Grants Program has helped us recruit 30 new volunteers, update our signage and provide new tourist maps to help passengers explore the city and surrounding region.”
For more information, visit www.portauthoritynsw.com.au
