After two years without cruise ships, the Port of Newcastle welcomed its first cruise ship, Coral Princess.

The Coral Princess arrived in Newcastle, NSW, this morning marking the start of the port’s 2022-23 cruise season.

The city is expected this season to have a total of 11 ships and 17,000 passenger visits.

With a capacity of 2,390 passengers, the Coral Princess will be five of those visits taking place between today, August 10, and September 25.

Other than Coral Princess, Grand Princess, Viking Mars and Silver Muse are also making their maiden visits to Newcastle this season.

A team of 15 Newcastle Cruise Volunteers will be available to welcome passengers upon arrival, sharing their love and knowledge of Newcastle to ensure that passengers get the most out of their short time in the city.

Port of Newcastle executive manager, marine and operations, Glen Hayward, was excited about welcoming cruise ships back into port.

“After two long years, it’s great to be able to once again facilitate cruise ship visits given the important economic benefits they have for the region and the community,” Mr Hayward said.

“Newcastle continues to be a popular port of call for cruise passengers this season, and who can blame them, with its close proximity to world-class beaches, the natural beauty of Port Stephens and vineyards of the Hunter Valley.”

He assured travellers that measures would be in place to ensure that passengers were kept self and healthy and to reduce the risk of COVID transmission.

“In line with NSW and Federal Government guidelines, all passengers will be required to undertake a Rapid Antigen Test prior to disembarking and are encouraged to wear masks while transferring to and from Channel Berth,” he said.

Coral Princess will depart from Newcastle at 5pm this evening for Brisbane.

 

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