Cruising
Sydney Harbour is Australia's premier cruise ship destination and the only port in Australia with two dedicated cruise-passenger terminals. The Overseas Passenger (OPT) Terminal located at Circular Quay and Wharf 5 Cruise Passenger Terminal (CPT) located at Barangaroo. Both are situated in the heart of the city and close to major tourist attractions.
The cruise industry is seen globally as the fastest growing segment of the tourism market, with the Australian cruise sector having grown by 35% over the past two years. Through a combination of passenger spend, crew spend and vessel-related costs, the cruise industry in NSW contributes in excess of $150 million annually to the State’s economy.
Sydney is the only Australian city with two world-class cruise terminals. The cruise industry has consistently reaffirmed Sydney's reputation as a world leading cruise destination.
Sydney Ports has been consistently recognised by the industry as having the world's 'best turnaround port operations' and in December last year, Sydney beat Venice and Vancouver for the title of 'Best Cruise Port in the World', as voted by Cruise Passenger Magazine.
With a reputation like this, it's no wonder the cruise industry is booming in Sydney, with continued year on year growth.
During the 2010 - 11 financial year, 214 passenger ships visited Sydney.
The 2011-12 Cruise Season (1 October to 30 March) will see 153 vessels visit Sydney.
Sydney Ports is also expecting 33 cruise ship visits by February 2012 - again demonstrating the strength and popularity of the growing cruise industry in Sydney.
One of the highlights of the year was on February 22 when Cunard’s new Queen Elizabeth and sister ship Queen Mary 2 participated in a royal rendezvous on Sydney Harbour.
This season, Sydney will welcome the arrival of four maiden visits including:
- Radiance of the Seas - October 15, 2011
- Zaandam - November 25, 2011
- Celebrity Century - November 30, 2011
- Costa Deliziosa - February 19, 2012
Sydney Ports Corporation continues to work with industry to provide the right services and infrastructure to support growth in cruise shipping.
Sydney Ports also welcomes the announcement by Cunard Line that The Queen Mary 2 will be based in Australia in 2012 for a history-making 28-day circumnavigation which will see her visit five states and the Northern Territory. Queen Mary 2's "Royal Circumnavigation of Australia" is a first for Cunard.