The arrival of Brilliance of the Seas in Newcastle on Saturday means the summer cruise season is officially underway.
It’s one of 16 ships set to roll into the city this season, sailing into the Harbour with over 2500 passengers onboard.
The arrival signals the commencement of a new 10-year licence agreement between Port Authority and the Port of Newcastle, promising more transit cruise ship visits for the Hunter and Central Coast regions in the years to come.
“Newcastle has a long and proud history of welcoming cruise passengers for almost two decades of cruise seasons,” Port Authority Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, John McKenna said.
“This new licence agreement is great news for Newcastle and surrounding regions as more transit cruise visits will provide opportunities for local tourism and hospitality operators, boosting the local economy.”
“Under the new licence agreement, Port Authority will facilitate cruise operations at a Port of Newcastle owned berth.”
The new licence agreement aims to build on the successes already achieved in Newcastle and will complement the Sydney and Eden cruise markets, providing cruise lines with more opportunities to include Newcastle as a destination on their itineraries.
