Year in review

THIS year we have stood together as an industry celebrating shared successes like the opening of new port facilities, inaugural visits by international cruise line players and maiden voyages to regional ports.

We worked closely again with organisations like CLIA and NZCA and signed an MOU with the Global Port Network.

A record contingent headed to Seatrade USA, and we welcomed some great speakers to our annual conference in Geelong including Melissa Witsoe ahead of Windstar’s inaugural visits here in 2020. We have seen many new members join ACA, and we welcome Transam Argosy which provides port agency services on Norfolk Island. The island’s three new passenger transfer vessels have opened the door for increased cruise visits.

Australia Cruise Ship Excursions has also joined ACA as providers of group sightseeing tours. They operate in Melbourne, Sydney and Newcastle offering historic site walking tours, wine tours, harbour cruises and wildlife tours.

But our industry also stands together in difficult times. Earlier this year Carnival Australia stepped up to support tours in Tasmania following the fires. They have also introduced drought relief cruises to help regional families doing it tough.

This week we have come together again in the shadow of the volcanic eruption in NZ which has impacted passengers on board Ovation of the

Seas. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew and team at RCL who are having to come to terms with this tragedy.

Hug your loved ones and see you all back on deck in 2020.