Cruise finally returns to Tasmania

THE cruise sector has returned to Tasmania for the first me in two years, with P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Explorer docking today.

The first of 69 port calls in Hobart, Explorer has kicked off the rebirth of Tasmania’s cruise sector, which typically generates $30-40 million a season for the state’s economy.

“We are grateful to Premier Jeremy Rockliff, the Tasmanian Government and its various authorities for their support for today’s visit by Pacific Explorer and for the resumption of cruising to Tasmania with its numerous attractive des na ons,” said Carnival Corpora on President Australia Marguerite Fitzgerald.

“Cruising is resuming in a careful and phased way in line with protocols that have already proved effec ve with thousands of Australians having already enjoyed cruising on our ships since [the] restart.

“During this period, the cruising experience and its features have returned much the same as previously, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific na ons have reopened and the 202223 summer cruise season is exceeding expecta ons.”

Australian Cruise Associa on (ACA) Chief Execu ve Officer

Jill Abel said there is enormous excitement locally around the return of cruise to Tasmania.

“Visits by cruise ships such as Pacific Explorer make a cri cal contribu on to the economy bringing with them passengers, crew and cruise line expenditure,” she said.

“Cruise calls contribute not only to local businesses but also help fund important conserva on projects at historic sites and wildlife rescue opera ons.

“An astounding 25% of ships visi ng Hobart this season will overnight here, enabling passengers to disperse beyond gateway ci es to regional areas to experience, for example, wonderful culinary offerings as well as visi ng local wine, whisky and gin distilleries.”

Abel said the ACA looks forward to welcoming more cruise ships to Tasmania’s other regional ports as they too herald the restart of cruise and its valued contribu on.

Rockliff added his personal support, saying cruise ship visits are an important contributor to the state’s visitor economy.

“Many Tasmanian businesses are celebra ng today’s arrival of the Pacific Explorer and the start of the 2022‐23 cruise season,” he said.

The return of cruise visitors has also been hailed by the local business community.