Cruise ships return to Tasmania

TasPorts Chief Operating Officer Stephen Casey said Tasmania was a key destination for many international and Australian-based cruise lines.

“TasPorts is highly supportive of the re-introduction of cruise ships to the state,” he said.

“We have been working with various federal and state government departments and other organisations to facilitate these visits for some time because of the significant economic benefits they deliver to local tourism 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.”

“There is enormous excitement around the return of cruise ships to Tasmania following a two-year pause,” the CEO of the Australian Cruise Association, Jill Abel, said.

“Cruise ship visits make a critical contribution to the economy bringing with them passengers, crew and cruise line expenditure,” she said.

“Cruise calls contribute not only to the sustainability of local businesses but also help to fund important projects such as the development of the Wildlife Hospital at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary or ongoing conservation work being done at historic sites such as the Cascade Female Factory.

“An astounding 25 per cent 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.”

Mr Casey said TasPorts implemented a series of environmental management measures for cruise ship visits to the state covering noise while they were in port, air emission and air quality.

“We also take steps to reduce vehicle movement at the Port of Hobart on cruise ship visit days and closes 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.”

Tasmanian ports will host about 150 cruise ship visits this cruise ship season.

TasPorts actively supports the regional dispersal of visitors and the benefits associated with these visits.

The Port of Burnie will host its first visit when the Coral Princess berths on 5 November. The Star Breeze will be the first cruise ship to visit Inspection Head at the Port of Bell Bay on 29 November.

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