Published on Friday, 23 August 2024 at 8:39:05 AM
Four cruise ships including two inaugural visits are slated to pull into Geraldton to round out 2024.
Following the announcements from both Carnival and Viking Cruise Lines that they will be withdrawing from Australia as well as other contributing factors there will be no cruise ships visiting Geraldton in 2025 or 2026.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune expressed his disappointment with the decline in future cruise visits but encouraged the community to come out and welcome the remaining ships.
“Since covid our community has welcomed the return of cruise ships with open arms and in collaboration with Mid West Ports Authority we have been able to deliver a shoreside experience that is second to none,” he said.
“Despite Geraldton being a desirable destination for cruise ships a combination of factors have come together including Carnival and Viking Cruise Lines leaving the Australian market and challenges surrounding Australian Border Force’s capacity to facilitate first port of entry applications unfortunately mean there are no cruise ships scheduled to visit Geraldton beyond the end of this year.
“The City will continue to promote Geraldton as a premier destination for cruise ships by petitioning both State and Federal Government so that our community can experience the benefits and excitement of hosting cruise ship passengers in the future.”
“I would like to acknowledge the fantastic work of our cruise ship volunteers and thank Mid West Ports Authority, Euphorium and our many other valued stakeholders for their unwavering commitment to welcoming cruise ships to Geraldton. I also urge everyone to make an extra special effort in the coming months to welcome the Queen Elizabeth and Westerdam on their first visits to town and the Coral Princess as she visits for the final times before she is retired,” added Mayor Clune.
Geraldton will play host to four cruise ship visits before the end of the year, details can be viewed on the “Cruising Geraldton” page at www.visitgeraldton.com.au.
ENDS
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