Sydney embarks on another busy cruise ship season

Sydney is preparing for another busy cruise ship season with today’s arrival of the Rhapsody of the Seas the first of more than 100 ship visits scheduled over the next six months.

Ports Minister Joe Tripodi today welcomed back the 78,000 tonne ocean liner Rhapsody of the Seas for its first visit to Sydney for the 2009-10 season.

Minister for Tourism Jodi McKay said the cruise business has proved a resilient sector of the tourism industry, supporting significant investment and around 1000 local hospitality and service jobs.

The 2008-09 cruise season saw a record 120 cruise ship visit Sydney -- including 28 ships in 28 days over February – along with more than 250,000 passengers.

To read the media release, click here.