THE ARRIVAL of cruise ship Pacific Explorer at Port of Hobart on Tuesday morning marked the return of cruise shipping in Tasmania.
The occasion has been considered a milestone for the state and the industry as they transition out of pandemic circumstances.
Tasmanian premier Jeremy Rockliff said Pacific Explorer’s arrival would provide a boost to local businesses and the economy after nearly three years without cruise activity.
“It also marks the start of the cruise ship season, with 153 port calls booked in Tasmania for the 2022-23 season – with the economic contribution to Tasmanian businesses estimated at $60 million in direct passenger spending and approximately $100 million in value added products and shipping services,” Mr Rockliff said.
“Businesses benefitting from the cruise season include tourism operators, shipping agents, ports, Tasmanian travel agents, producers, and other suppliers across the state.”
TasPorts chief operating officer Stephen Casey said TasPorts has been working with federal and state government departments and other organisations to facilitate the visits.
“Independent economic research confirms that the contribution of a single medium sized cruise ship visit to the state is more than $650,000 per visit,” Mr Casey said.
Mr Casey said TasPorts has implemented a series of environmental management measures for cruise ships visiting the state, relating to noise, air emission and air quality.
“We also take steps to reduce vehicle movement at the Port of Hobart on cruise ship visit days and [close] Franklin Wharf between Hunter Street and Constitution Dock Bridge to through traffic.
“This safety measure is critically important given the number of passengers and crew expected this year, and are similar to those put in place for past cruise ship seasons, ensuring the safety of all pedestrians on Hobart’s waterfront.”
Australian Cruise Association CEO Jill Abel said there was “enormous excitement” around the return of cruise ships following the hiatus.
“Cruise ship visits make a critical contribution to the economy bringing with them passengers, crew and cruise line expenditure,” Ms Abel said.
“An astounding 25% of the ships visiting Hobart this season will overnight in port allowing for dispersal of passengers beyond the gateway cities and further afield into regional areas to experience the state’s wonderful culinary offerings as well as visiting local wine, whisky and gin distilleries for example.
“We are also preparing to welcome some newcomers to the industry in 2023/24 like Virgin Voyages, Seabourn Expedition and Disney Cruises – all of which have indicated an interest in putting Hobart on their itineraries.”
TasPorts expects Tasmanian ports to host around 150 cruise ship visits in the coming cruise ship season.
The Port of Burnie will host its first visit when Coral Princess berths on 5 November, while Star Breeze will be the first cruise ship to visit Inspection Head at the Port of Bell Bay on 29 November.
“Importantly, all cruise ships that visit Tasmania are adhering to best practise cruise health protocols that include measures regarding vaccination, testing, mask wearing, outbreak management and communications,” Mr Rockliff said.
