Cruise returns to Tasmania

TasPorts is ready to welcome the first cruise ship of the season – the 261-metre-long Pacific Explorer – into the Port of Hobart on 25 October 2022 travelling from Sydney.

TasPorts CEO Anthony Donald said it would be the first internationally-flagged cruise ship to dock in Hobart since early 2020.

“Pleasingly, Tasmania continues to be an important destination for international and Australian-based cruise ships,” he said.

“We have been highly supportive of their return to the state because of the very significant economic benefits their visits deliver to local tourist operators and businesses.

“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.

“TasPorts has been preparing for their return for some time, working closely with cruise ship companies, local tourism operators and Federal and Tasmanian Government departments to prepare for a safe return of cruise ships to Tasmania.”

Mr Donald said Tasmanian ports would host about 150 cruise ship visits this cruise ship season.

“While the first vessel for the year will arrive into Hobart, the Port of Burnie will host its first visit when the Coral Princess berths on 5 November,” he said.

“The Star Breeze will be the first cruise ship to visit Inspection Head at the Port of Bell Bay on 29 November.

“TasPorts facilitates cruise ship calls around the state, actively supporting the regional dispersal of visitors and the benefits associated with these visits.”

Mr Donald said international cruise ships visiting the State were still required to meet all state public health requirements.

“TasPorts will continue to implement its policy, introduced in 2019, that limits the berthing of cruise ships at the same time in Hobart to two,” he said.

“Further, TasPorts has reviewed its forward bookings through to March 2026 and has no cruise ship bookings for vessels that can carry more than 5000 passengers.

“Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas are the largest vessels (capable of carrying 4000 passengers) booked to visit the Hobart this season.”

The full cruise ship schedule is available here Shipping schedule (tasports.com.au)