150 cruise ships to dock in state over spring and summer

Tasmania will host 150 cruise ship visits over spring and summer as debate returns on whether ‘mega ships’ have a place in the Apple Isle. Have your say in our poll.

TASPORTS says it is ready to welcome the first internationally-flagged cruise ship in two and a half years as tourism businesses prepare for 150 ship visits to Tasmania over the season.

The 261-metre-long Pacific Explorer will arrive in Hobart on October 25 after sailing from Sydney.

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

Mr Donald said international cruise ships visiting the state were still required to meet all state public health requirements and continue its policy of only allowing two ships to berth in Hobart at one time.

Cruise ship Coral Discoverer berthed at Macq 2. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

No ships with more than 5000 passengers are on the schedule to dock in Tasmania through to 2026.

That comes as some in the tourism industry question if Tasmania needs “mega ships” to foster its tourism brand

Mr Donald said TasPorts was highly supportive of cruise ships returning due to the significant economic benefits they bring 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,” he said.

“TasPorts has been preparing for their safe return for some time, working closely with cruise ship companies, local tourism operators and Federal and Tasmanian Government departments”

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

The Port of Burnie will host its first visit when the Coral Princess berths on November 5 while the Star Breeze will call into Inspection Head at the Port of Bell Bay on November 29.

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

Luke Martin CEO Tourism Industry Council TasmaniaPicture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania CEO Luke Martin says the cruise sector was an example of a rapidly growing travel sector that presents tremendous opportunity for Tasmania, along with its own significant challenges.

“Ships are getting bigger and the cruise companies are increasingly looking for the next untapped port, the next unspoiled destination,” Mr Martin said.

“Tasmania is at the forefront of this growth and there are few things more impressive than the frequent sight of cruise ships docked on the Hobart and Burnie waterfronts.

“We know the cruise ships love coming to Tasmania and generate activity that underpin tour operators and attractions across the state.

“But this does not mean cruise companies should be given free licence to access any destination they like across the island, or that we should not foster the cruise market segments that generate maximum value for our local tour operators and regional communities.”