Port Broome WA is expected to become a cruise stop for major cruise lines after the announcement by the Western Australian Government that dredging work will start mid-2019
Traditionally, the port has been restricted to smaller ships like the 50-meter MV True North and other expedition-sized vessels due to the large tidal range in the region, often as much as 6 metres.
Currently, Broome is set to play host to the biggest ships exploring Australian waters, like those from Carnival Corporation.
According to WA Tourism Minister Paul Papalia, "the cruise sector is a vital part of the tourism industry and helps an increasing number of visitors enjoy our extraordinary State." He added that when Carnival stopped homeporting in Western Australia due to port issues, they had "acted swiftly to rectify the problems at Geraldton and Fremantle ports and, most importantly, dredge the Broome port in time for the 2019 cruise season."
The Kimberley Ports Authority and WA State Government are committed to improving the cruise experience and are expected to proceed with an above deck gangway design which will better accommodate and speed up disembarkation for cruise passengers.