Cruise ships make stunning return to Melbourne
Melbourne rolled out the red carpet for the Coral Princess – the first cruise liner to dock in the city in more than two years.
Victoria
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The Coral Princess has become the first cruise ship to dock in Melbourne after two years, marking a milestone in the return of the city’s tourism industry.
The last time a cruise ship docked at Melbourne’s Station Pier was March 2020, when the onslaught of Covid restrictions and regulations barred any more ships from arriving for the foreseeable future.
Carrying more than 2500 guests, the 90,000-tonne cruise liner sported an enormous “We Love Melbourne” banner as it moored in Port Melbourne and was met with significant flourish.
Helicopters flew overhead, champagne bottles were popped and even brightly dressed and feathered samba dancers welcomed the ship, refusing to let the drizzly weather dampen spirits.
President of Carnival Australia and P&O Cruises Australia Marguerite Fitzgerald said the Coral Princess provided an unparalleled level of personalisation for guests.
“In many ways, it’s been hard for Melbourne these past few years,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
“But it was the suppliers that brought the industry back – it was those 18,000 jobs that support the cruise industry that made the government realise it was time to bring us back.”
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said the arrival of the Coral Princess was an iconic moment for all of Victoria.
“Australia remains high on the list for many US travellers and new connections direct to Victoria mean that millions of visitors will start their trip down under right here – boosting tourism and supporting local jobs and businesses,” he said.
The state government announced earlier in the year cruise ships would be allowed once again to dock in the city, after the cruise industry contributed $353m to the economy in 2019.
There will be 13 ships visiting Melbourne in the coming months, including three specifically for the Melbourne Cup – bringing about 7000 guests.
Acting Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece said the arrival of the Coral Princess was the next chapter in Station Pier’s history.
“Standing here today, I feel like we are at a historic moment: when Melbourne turns the page, Victoria turns the page,” he said.
“The borders are open again – the port is open again and Melbourne is back in business.”
Cruise ships lost popularity as the holiday of choice after they gained notoriety for major Covid outbreaks, including the Coral Princess’s sister ship, the Ruby Princess, which caused 650 infections and 28 passenger deaths.
Yet, Ms Fitzgerald said many of the cruise trips ensuing over the next months have already sold out.
She said even with extra Covid protocols, guests can be assured their cruise experience will feel the same as it did pre-Covid.
“Almost everybody is vaccinated and we do pre-embarkation testing,” she said.
If someone tests positive during a cruise, isolation rules apply the same way they would on land.
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