Cruise ships to return to Geelong this summer

CRUISE ships will be sailing back into Geelong this summer, and the vessels are expected to bring a combined estimated economic benefit of $1.65 million to the region.

A combined total of 5,090 passengers and 2,572 crew will be aboard the six ships.

Seven Seas Explorer will be the first to arrive in Corio Bay, on New Year’s Day, with five other visits scheduled between that date and February 13, 2023.

Three of the visits will be the inaugural stops for the cruise lines, and two (Viking Neptune and Viking Mars) will be maiden voyages.

The incoming cruise ships will moor in Corio Bay, with the Royal Geelong Yacht Club assisting by providing access to their facilities to bring visitors ashore to explore the region.

It has been more than two-and-a-half years since a cruise ship has been seen in Geelong, with the Seven Seas Mariner mooring in March 2020.

“Tourism is such an important part of our local economy and one that’s been hit incredibly hard over the past few years,” City of Greater Geelong mayor Peter Murrihy said.

“It’s extremely promising to see these cruise lines returning to Geelong – some of which will be coming from as far as America.”

A cruise ship visit typically spreads its benefits across Geelong and surrounds, as passengers can explore the broader region with a range of shore excursions tapping into local wine, culture, and nature experiences.

“We’re looking forward to seeing ships in the bay once again and welcoming thousands of passengers ashore to enjoy the exceptional products and experiences our region offers,” Tourism Greater Geelong
and The Bellarine executive director Brett Ince said.

“We’ll be working hard from our end to make sure passengers stay as long as possible in our region and that they make the most of their time in our corner of the world.”

The Australian Cruise Association’s Annual Report 2021-22 states confidence and the desire to sail is now higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is expected the industry will continue to grow at 4-5 per cent annually, with Cruise Lines International Association predicting the number of cruise passengers will hit 34.5 million by 2026.

This interest is already being reflected in Geelong, with five cruises booked to moor here for the summer of 2023-24 and two so far for the summer of 2024-25.

The return of cruise ships will come after the Spirit of Tasmania’s move to Geelong, with its first sailing to arrive at the new terminal this Sunday, October 23.

The ferry service operator’s relocation from Melbourne is predicted to increase tourism expenditure by $57.3 million in Geelong.

“Significant investment in our north-facing bay and region has seen Geelong really come into its own as a strong port city and destination of choice,” Mr Ince said.

“There’s a real buzz among the industry for the Spirit of Tasmania, return of cruise ships to our bay and what we’re expecting will be the biggest summer we’ve seen in recent years.”