WITH Jill Abel, CEO, Australian Cruise Association – When the Pacific Explorer docked in Melbourne last night for the State of Origin game it marked two special moments.
Not only was it the end of a highly successful cruise season for Victoria but it was also the first time a cruise ship has visited in Jun which signals the gradual lengthening of the
Australian cruise season.
More than 100 cruise ships visited the state this season – with the same expected next season.
ACA has worked with state members including Visit Victoria, the Victorian Ports Corporation, and
the City of Melbourne as well as the tour attractions and regional members to support the state as
they grow their cruise market.
Visitor dispersal has been a key issue and it is exciting to see regional ports such as Philip Island,
Geelong and Portland getting strong bookings in addition to the Melbourne market.
ACA has also been working closely with cruise lines to encourage homeporting in Australia.
Carnival Legend has embraced that opportunity and for the first time undertook seven turnarounds in Melbourne this season.
Several other ships were also based in Melbourne for all or part of the season, strengthening the visitation numbers. These included Golden Princess, Pacific Jewel and
Pacific Eden.
Radiance of the Seas will undertake its first turnaround from Melbourne next season, continuing this trend.
We would like to congratulate the state of Victoria and look forward to kicking off another great cruise season for the state when the Sun Princess pulls back into Melbourne on 12 Oct.
