The local tourism economy is set to receive a much-needed boost due to the maiden arrival of cruise vessel Celebrity Edge in Newcastle this weekend.
It’s understood more than 4,000 passengers and crew will disembark on Saturday 13 December to experience the best of the Hunter and Central Coast regions.
The news has been extremely well-received, especially after the cancellation of Viking Venus and Viking Orion’s scheduled stopovers last month.
Both liners blamed Rising Tide’s “protestival” in the harbour as the reason behind the decisions.
“Cruise visitation is a key driver of regional recovery and growth,” Port Authority of NSW CEO John McKenna said.
“So, the passengers and crew aboard the 306-metre-long Celebrity Edge will make a significant contribution to the economy.
“From wine tasting in the Hunter Valley to getting up close with Australian wildlife on the Central Coast and Port Stephens, and exploring Newcastle’s historic sites, this stopover showcases why the region is a must-visit on Australia’s cruise map.”
Hunter Valley Resort and Farm proprietor Philip Hele OAM was equally-thrilled.
“Newcastle cruise ship arrivals have a substantial impact on small family businesses like mine,” he said.
“They bring new visitors straight into the Hunter, filling our cellar doors, supporting our restaurants and turning first-time guests into enthusiastic ambassadors for the region.
“We’re expecting 96 passengers at my premises, which is a real highlight of the season for us.
“It certainly brings energy to the property.”
Strong regional support was reflected in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to grow cruise tourism, led by Port Authority and agreed to by seven local councils and two peak tourism organisations, Destination Sydney Surrounds North (DSSN) and the Newcastle Tourism Industry Group (NTIG).
DSSN general manager Glenn Caldwell said in the six months since the announcement, the MoU had delivered significant wins.
“Through this agreement, we’ve assisted local business owners to tap into the cruise economy with a number of new offerings including a koala experience in Port Stephens, helicopter tours to the Hunter Valley and boat cruises in Newcastle,” he explained.
“Our on-ground Cruise Coordinator has secured guides to accompany the passengers on excursion tours and worked with NTIG to onboard more than 50 wonderful Welcome Volunteers who give a warm greeting to those stepping ashore.
“That an eightfold increase with more to come for the 2025/26 season.
“We’ve also delivered cruise support to businesses via workshops in our region, in collaboration with Destination NSW, to help them create and deliver great experiences for the Newcastle cruise market.
“We have developed new website content to support the growth of cruise, too.”
MS The World, the largest private residential yacht on the planet, is the next ship to arrive on 19 December.
For more news stories:
- Restored Sensory Trail a hit at Hunter Wetlands Centre
- Police increase patrols at Newcastle rail crossings amid safety concerns
- Councillors concerned about Maitland Hospital’s ‘poor’ wait times
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
