Ship boss: We’ll come if it’s right

THE head of one of the region’s largest cruise organisations says he would consider basing a ship on the Gold Coast if the facility stacked up economically and was big enough.

Adam Armstrong, managing director of RCL Cruises, which includes Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises, said cruise lines would take the local population into account when deciding where to base a ship.

“Requirements for a turnaround port are considerable compared to a transit call – size of facility required, efficiency of loading guests, luggage and stores, availability of fuel,” he said.

“If a cruise terminal were built on the Gold Coast, and it was economical and suitable for ships of the size that Royal Caribbean operates, we would certainly be interested in exploring this opportunity further.”

Gold Coast Tourism acting CEO Miles Roper said the body was in favour of a Gold Coast terminal, but declined to give a stance on the current proposal.

“Cruise ships would add another important facet to our tourism industry and attract a new visitor group,” Mr Roper said.