WITH Jill Abel, CEO Australian Cruise
Association – As we draw closer to the festive
season and all its celebrations, it is
appropriate to take a moment and
celebrate some of the highlights
of 2017.
This year, Australia welcomed 50
different ships. Notable inclusions
were the QM2 spending a record
three weeks here docking 12 times
in six states; Ovation of the Seas –
the largest ship to visit Australia;
Seabourn Encore – that line’s newest
ultra-luxe addition & most recently
Norwegian Jewel – now based in this
region. In 2018, we will welcome
Viking Sun, the first of Viking
Cruises’ ships to arrive in Australia.
In line with this, destination
infrastructure is also growing.
Numerous port projects have
commenced with the exciting
development of terminal facilities
and waterfront precincts in
Brisbane, Cairns, Gladstone,
Newcastle and Eden.
Destination development has
also kept pace with new itinerary
inclusions on offer such as cultural
performances, food and wine tours
and nature/wildlife experiences
ensuring that Australia continues to
feature on cruise itineraries.
Behind all of this of course is
our Association’s membership
and I would like to take this
opportunity to celebrate the hard
work that tourism organisations,
port authorities, ground handlers,
providores, tour operators,
attractions and many others do to
make sure our industry continues
to grow.
I would also like to celebrate the
MOU that we recently signed with
CLIA which speaks to a renewed
spirit of cooperation and will ensure
that the cruise industry continues to
ride a wave of success in 2018.
