Port Newcastle (NSW Australia) welcomed its first cruise liner in 2+ years with the arrival of Princess Cruises' ship Coral Princess on her maiden port call.
The 294-m vessel sailed into Newcastle Harbour on Tuesday, August 9, marking the start of the 2022-2023 season which includes 11 scheduled calls, an estimated ~17,000 passengers, and is due to run until April 2023.
Coral Princess is one of 4 ships making their maiden calls at Newcastle this season - together with Viking Mars, Silver Muse, and Grand Princess. Coral Princess has max passenger capacity 2390 (plus 900 staff/crew) and will visit Newcastle 5 times - between August 10th and September 25, 2022.
Throughout the season, Newcastle Cruise Volunteers are expected to be on hand to welcome cruisers. The team of 15 volunteers will provide local advice to ensure tourists get the most out of their time in the port city.
Glen Hayward (Newcastle Port's executive manager marine & operations) said it was wonderful to welcome cruise ships back to the Port for the first time since the start of the COVID crisis.
Hayward added that measures would be in place during visits to reduce the risk of COVID transmission and keep volunteers, guests, and the community safe.
“In line with NSW and Federal Government guidelines, all passengers will be required to undertake a Rapid Antigen Test prior to disembarking and are encouraged to wear masks while transferring to and from Channel Berth.”