Cruise Bounty

ON THE back of a growing cruise business on Norfolk Island, ground operator Burnt Pine Travel has joined as our newest member. Cruising began as a viable business in 2011 when P&O first put Norfolk on its itineraries.

Sadly, due to challenges with the previous pier structure, which became unsafe during high seas, a number of visits were aborted. On average around four to five ships visit the Island each year including some of the smaller expedition vessels.

Mike Drake, director of marine operations, P&O which has continued to support the destination, told ACA that Norfolk Island is a world-class destination with natural beauty & a fascinating maritime history built around the tales of the Mutiny on the Bounty.

New touring options for short stay cruise pax are being developed to showcase these assets.

With Government support, Cascade Pier has now been refurbished and extended and three passenger tenders are on the schedule as well meaning that the forward schedule triples from four ship visits in 2019 to 13 in 2020. Bart Murray, gm at Burnt Pine joined ACA a few days before our annual conference and was excited about the discussions he had with members around the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for Norfolk Island as an emerging cruise destination.

We look forward to supporting their journey as they are perfectly positioned to sit well in domestic, Pacific and around the world itineraries as a fascinating new destination for cruise pax to visit.