Newcastle leads new cruise ports around the world now welcoming ships

From up-and-coming Australian cities to lesser-known international locations, cruise lines around the world are setting sail to a host of emerging hotspots.

There’s nothing like walking off a ship and exploring a new port where adventures await, from cultural and culinary to hiking and paddling. 

And in these days when we hear of over tourism in certain ports in Europe, it’s good to know other destinations are working on infrastructure to welcome travellers to their town or city. The city of Newcastle in New South Wales is a good example – stepping up offerings to capture the cruise market over the next decade with the Port Authority’s planned expansion of cruising into Newcastle Harbour.

Recently, the Port Authority of NSW announced that a cruise coordinator will begin working with cruise lines to expand itineraries so their passengers can experience the best of the Hunter and Central Coast regions. Think winery visits, architecture walks and incredible coastal national park hikes.

“It’s a win-win,” said Port Authority of NSW CEO John McKenna. “Passengers get unforgettable experiences and local businesses and communities benefit from the economic opportunities that come with a thriving cruise industry.”

A cruise ship arrives in Newcastle Harbour. Picture: Destination NSW / Alexandra Adoncello

The West Australian government has pledged $500,000 to help create a new international passenger terminal in Broome. According to Joel Katz from Cruise Lines International Association, an international terminal in Broome will mean this beautiful town in the Kimberley region will be on track to become a key Australian cruise gateway for ships sailing from the north.

“Broome can become a first port of call for international ships, opening up a world of new possibilities for international cruising in Western Australia,” he said.

The medieval town of Šibenik, Croatia, is set to become a new cruise hub.

India is also pursuing the cruise market. The International Cruise Terminal Station in Mumbai opened in April and aims to accommodate 1000 ships and 1.2 million passengers per year by 2030. And more terminals are set to follow.

At the start of this month, the Visakhapatnam International Cruise Terminal on India’s east coast began offering cruise services connecting Visakhapatnam with Chennai and Puducherry. There are also plans to expand to international destinations such as Colombo, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.

It makes financial sense for a destination. CLIA and the Australian Cruise Association estimates each passenger spends $455 per day on shore, and even more when a ship commences a sailing or returns to a port as hotel stays are often factored in. These new turnaround ports also help spread the passenger load.

For example, ports such as Dubrovnik in Croatia tend to be overcrowded, especially when numerous excursions take in the fortified Old Town which has limited space. Small-ship operator Unforgettable Croatia has come up with a genius solution and the antidote to overtourism. From 2026, it will offer 36 cruises that embark and disembark from Šibenik, Croatia. This uncrowded off-the-beaten-track medieval town is brimming with a thousand years of history and has often been overlooked for more-popular coastal cities along the Dalmatian Coast.

Originally published as Newcastle leads new cruise ports around the world now welcoming ships