First cruise ship in close to three years arrives in Geelong

GEELONG is on track for a record summer season of cruise ships with a visit from the Star Breeze marking the first arrival of its kind to the city since March 6, 2020.

Anchoring in Corio Bay last week with 300 mainly American passengers and 190 crew, the occasion was marked by Geelong councillor Peter Murrihy presenting the ships captain with a commemorative plaque designed by Wathaurong Glass.

The Sea Breeze is the first of eight ships scheduled to bring a total of 5,700 passengers and 3,000 crew to the greater Geelong and Bellarine region over the summer, with a projected economic value of $1.9 million.

“It was a real pleasure to go onboard the Star Breeze to meet Captain Pedro Montes Pinto and have a tour of this amazing cruise ship,” Cr Murrihy said.

The deputy chair of the tourism portfolio and chair of economic development said the ships arrival had already provided dividends to local businesses who were supplying hire bikes to passengers and supporting a local accommodation provider.

“It is fantastic that small businesses with considerable local knowledge and specialised offerings are being utilised, as this support will strengthen these operators and greater Geelong’s economy,” he said.

Geelong is just one of the stops the Star Breeze bike riding cruise is making on its journey and passengers made the most of their two day stay by riding through the Otways to Apollo Bay and back on Friday (December 2), and then along the Bellarine Rail the next day, stopping at wineries and ending with a ferry ride.

Mayor Trent Sullivan hoped the tourists short visit would prompt their future return.

“We are so excited to showcase our stunning region to these international passengers and cement our reputation as a scenic cycling destination for adventurous visitors,” he said.

“I hope the passengers visit greater Geelong again in the future for a longer stay to explore everything our region has to offer.”

The next cruise scheduled to visit Geelong is expected on New Year’s Day, and the operators of the Star Breeze have another two ships destined to arrive over summer.