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Wollongong in shipshape form ahead of RCI maiden visit
The buzz has been building in Wollongong, NSW, as the Illawarra region prepares for its very first cruise ship call when Royal Caribbean’s megaliner Radiance of the Seas arrives on October 30, 2016.
Known as an innovative player within cruising circles, the interest of Miami-headquartered Royal Caribbean International could open Wollongong to cruise tourism long-term.
When Radiance of the Seas berths at Port Kembla in October, the one-day visit is set to be a significant and game-changing event across all sectors of the region’s economy.
Royal Caribbean’s Managing Director in Australia and New Zealand, Adam Armstrong, said the visit will be just the first step in a new partnership between the cruise line and the port.
“I’m thrilled to be part of the team that will bring one of the largest and most feature packed megaliners in Australian waters to the South Coast of NSW, when Port Kembla becomes the newest destination for Radiance of the Seas.”
“We hope that this will be the first of many calls for Royal Caribbean – we’ve already confirmed two further calls from Explorer of the Seas for 2018 – and we believe there is a real opportunity here for Wollongong and Port Kembla to entice the wider cruising industry,” Armstrong commented.
“Including Wollongong on our itineraries has already produced an incredible level of excitement amongst our guests and crew for the newest Royal Caribbean destination.
At the same time, we look forward to exploring Port Kembla as an alternative port to manage overflow to congestion in Sydney Harbour,” Armstrong concluded.
The 293m long and 32m wide cruise ship will make its visit to Wollongong, docking at Port Kembla at 8am and leaving at 5pm.
Radiance of the Seas will bring 2,400 guests and 700 crew, who will be disembarking from 8.15am, after an enthusiastic welcome from locals at vantage points in Port Kembla and the area’s beaches.
General Manager of Destination Wollongong, Mark Sleigh, is confident that this will be the first, of many, future visits of cruise lines into Port Kembla.
“We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming the maiden voyage of Radiance of the Seas into Port Kembla in October”.
“Royal Caribbean has displayed a very clear vision for growth in Wollongong from the moment we started discussions and we look forward to a very exciting future with the cruise industry”.
“Given the incremental growth of cruise numbers in Australia and the capacity limits being met in Sydney Harbour, Wollongong is perfectly positioned to help the state government meet the aspirational target of doubling the overnight visitor economy by 2020 by facilitating growth in a sector that is otherwise constrained.
Being located only 73km from Sydney International Airport, Port Kembla provides a viable alternative for cruise lines looking to turn cruise ships around in the highly competitive Sydney market.”
“Additionally, the incredible range of world class, commercial tourism product available within a 60km drive of the port opens up opportunities for everyone from grandparents to young children to have a day out in Wollongong they will never forget.”
Guests will have had the opportunity to pre purchase tours and will spend the day soaking up the myriad natural wonders and attractions the area has to offer.
A diverse showcase has been curated for their selection including a trip to meet the local wildlife at Symbio Wildlife Park, tour of the lush Southern Highlands and coastal beauty Kiama and a spiritual journey to experience the cultural significance of the Nan Tien Temple – the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere.
Now, with just over six weeks to go, it’s all-hands-on-deck as Royal Caribbean International and the City of Wollongong toast to an exciting sea change on the horizon.
Source: etbtravelnews.com
