First ever AFL members-only cruise docks in Hobart
In an Australian-first, a cruise ship filled to the brim with AFL fans has docked in Hobart, with the ship emblazoned in the chosen team’s colours. Watch the docking.
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While cricket might be all the rage in Hobart this week, a group of 300 dedicated AFL fans have disembarked at the Hobart waterfront on Monday from an AFL Members-only cruise – the first of its kind.
The Princess Cruises’ Crown Princess docked after leaving from Sydney Harbour on Saturday, with a team of AFL executives and players also sightseeing in Hobart with the passengers.
The inaugural cruise is part of a new event between the Sydney Swans and partner Princess Cruises to provide an up close and personal experience between fans and players.
Swans CEO Tom Harley was joined by the Executive General Manager of AFL Leon Cameron, AFLW Coach Scott Gowans, AFLW Captain Chloe Molloy, 2022 AFLW Club Champion Cynthia Hamilton as well as Swans greats and 2012 Premiership players Josh Kennedy and Ted Richards.
Mr Harley said it was an exciting and “unforgettable” experience for Swans fans, with onboard activities and entertainment curating the experience.
“We’re proud to partner with Princess Cruises for this exciting opportunity, and give our members this unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a once-in-a-lifetime Sydney Swans experience,” he said.
“We have some fantastic events planned on board and I am looking forward to connecting with our Swans members and am excited to see everything that Crown Princess has to offer.”
Princess Cruises Senior Director of Marketing and Sales Nick Ferguson said the partnership and AFL cruise came from a like-minded value for community.
“The AFL is a sport that brings people together, and we believe in the power of community, he said.
“Moving into our second year of partnership with the Sydney Swans underscores our commitment to local organisations and we look forward to being part of the Swans journey to success.”
“Travelling on board the magnificent Crown Princess is exciting enough, but having the opportunity to leverage our strong partnership with the Sydney Swans to enable this unique cruise is such a special moment,” he said.
Sydney Swans fan Katie Lofthouse has been a cheer squad member for the Swans since 2005 and said she joined the cruise to get up close and personal with Swans greats.
“We had a great show on last night and yesterday got to listen to a season review with the AFL and AFLW players for the last year which was great as well,” she said.
“We are actually meeting with Tasmanian friends who are Swans fans as well so it’s been a great trip.”
The Crown Princess will return to Sydney on Tuesday.
Originally published as First ever AFL members-only cruise docks in Hobart
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