Cruise Down Under NEWS Edition 32 December 2014

In this issue: Message from • Message from the Chairman the Chairman • OPT upgrade nears completion • Celebrating 10 year anniversary I am delighted to have been appointed Our 2014 Conference in Perth was of ambassadors the Chairman of CDU at the recent another outstanding event with a high annual general meeting held in Perth. calibre of international and domestic • Diamond Princess makes speakers and robust workshop sessions. history in Busselton My previous roles as CEO of Port of The pre and post familiarisation Melbourne Corporation and Great • World class waterfront for programs held around the country were Southern Railway have given me a Gladstone an integral part to showing off the great sound understanding of the cruise diversity of cruise opportunities. • Tasmania revealed sector needs from both a port and • Skyrail wins ecotourism award tourism perspective. I look forward to The Christmas and New Year is an leading the management committee in extremely busy time for our members • Cruise ship visits to regional strategically driving the organisation to as they deliver efficient operations for Victoria meet the needs of the membership. cruise lines and memorable experiences • PNG continues to grow for cruise passengers. I wish to recognise the dedication and • Focus is on Darwin great leadership of my predecessor, I look forward to working with all of our • New tour experiences in Chris White. Chris provided great stakeholders in the coming months and Melbourne leadership to the organisation during wish you and your families a wonderful a time of immense boom within Christmas and New Year. • Maiden voyage of Carnival the industry. I also acknowledge Legend the Life Membership bestowed to Stephen Bradford • Volendam’s maiden visit to Glenn Stephens, CDU’s treasurer for Chairman Port Arthur fifteen years and one of the founding • 1 million passengers for members of the organisation. Brisbane • New Face for Cruise Eden • New members

Cruise Down Under News December 2014 1 www.cruisedownunder.com Sydney’s terminal upgrade nears completion There were a total of 32 cruise ship turnarounds in Sydney during November. The Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) had 21 of these movements and 11 were at White Bay Cruise Terminal. Based on the average capacity of these vessels, more than 130,000 passengers were processed during the month. November marked the first time in Sydney that temporary passenger transfers were arranged between two cruise terminals. In order to help fast- track the major OPT upgrade, four cruise port agents, logistics staff, security and New lifts and escalators are in place, as movements between 26 October and traffic controllers, construction project is the travelator. 11 November saw passengers processed teams, customer service representatives at White Bay before being transferred and others involved. With new glazing, flooring, tiling, by private ferries to their waiting ship at balustrades and other building finishes Circular Quay. The new northern dolphin at the now going in, external construction OPT was used for the first time when hoardings are progressively starting to This achievement would not have RCCL’s Celebrity Solstice berthed on come down. The temporary marquee been possible were it not for the 3 November. The 60 metre wharf on the southern forecourt will continue collaborative effort from the cruise lines, extension has also become operational, to be used until closer to Christmas. cruise terminal operations coordinators, providing more work space for the The target functional completion marine operations, ferry operators, provisioning of vessels. Work on the date for all works of 31 January 2015 is customs and border protection staff, OPT upgrade is now past half-way. coming into view.

Celebrating 10 year anniversary of Cruise Ship Ambassadors Director Jeff Aquilina stated it was an they need, and are pointed in the right important night to acknowledge the direction,” Mr Aquilina said. fantastic work done by the Cruise Ship Ambassadors. It was an evening to celebrate the outstanding efforts of our Cruise “Over the past years, cruise ship arrivals Ship Ambassadors and for those who have grown from around a dozen to over joined us on the night it was a great fifty in the Whitsundays and the cruise way to congratulate the Ambassadors ship industry has become a sustainable for their hard work and commitment pillar of our local tourism industry, to our region. injecting millions into the local economy,” It has been 10 years since Mr Aquilina said. 40 Volunteers were presented with the first group of Cruise Ship certificates and a commemorative Volunteer Ambassadors “With Australia taking on a strong trophy during the evening. position in facilitating cruise ship gathered at Abell Point Marina growth, the Whitsundays has gained a The evening function was hosted by to warmly welcome cruise ship competitive edge through the successful WMDL in partnership with Tourism and passengers to Airlie Beach. inception of Australia’s first Cruise Ship Events Queensland, Abell Point Marina Ambassador Program,” and Barcelona Tapas Bar and Restaurant. The 10 year anniversary celebration was held on the 20th November at Abell Point “Led by Judi Dunn, the Ambassadors go Contact: Marina. Whitsundays Marketing and out of their way to ensure passengers Chelsea Hauschka Development Limited (WMDL) Executive feel welcome, have all the information Email: [email protected]

Cruise Down Under News December 2014 2 www.cruisedownunder.com Diamond Princess makes A world class history in Busselton waterfront for Gladstone

The Gladstone Ports Corporation is excited to be leading the development of a world class family friendly precinct along the Auckland Inlet Waterfront. Stage one of the precinct opened in November 2014 and includes high quality family-friendly recreational areas, interactive water-based features, a waterfront promenade and viewing platform with shade structures, extended jetty structure, historical artefacts from Gladstone’s Maritime Museum featured throughout the precinct, including the relocation of Sea Hill lighthouse and new car parks. Future stages of the project will include a café, new Ports Interpretive Princess Cruises’ Diamond Diamond Princess’ visit to Western Centre and outdoor amphitheatre for Princess has made history in Australia reflects Princess’ increased community events. Western Australia by becoming focus on cruising in the State, with the cruise line set to undertake its first ever The Gladstone Ports Corporation is the first cruise ship to visit year-round program of sailing from proud to help facilitate the provision of Busselton. Fremantle next year. outstanding Auckland Inlet foreshore facilities for our Gladstone community, The 116,000-tonne ship anchored off The program will see Princess Cruises in addition to the already provided 43ha the coast on Thursday, November 27, carry more than 45,000 cruise guests to of foreshore parklands in the marina with 2,580 guests enjoying a full day and from Fremantle from April 2015 to precinct and Spinnaker Park. of sightseeing, shopping and tours in March 2016. The cruises are expected to Busselton. generate an estimated $30 million for More information is available on the local economy in Western Australia. Gladstone Ports Corporation’s website Another nine visits are scheduled to visit at www.gpcl.com.au. Busselton in 2015 and 2016. Tourism WA in partnership with the Diamond Princess’ guests enjoyed a Cruise WA Committee and industry wide range of tours in the area from is working to develop the cruise sea kayaking in Geographe Bay and shipping sector in Western Australia by exploring Ngilgi Cave, to tours of the implementing the WA Cruise Shipping city highlights and visits to the nearby Strategic Plan 2012-2020 and promoting Margaret River wine region. WA’s 10 cruise port destinations.​ For more information on cruise shipping The ship’s visit to Busselton comes 10 visit Tourism WA’s corporate website. days into a 28-day circumnavigation of Australia, which marks the start of LINK: http://www.tourism.wa.gov.au/ its four-month Australian summer Industry/Infrastructure_Growth/Cruise_ deployment. shipping/Pages/default.aspx

Cruise Down Under News December 2014 3 www.cruisedownunder.com Tasmania Revealed Skyrail wins That well-used cliché about Point is set to be a completely Ecotourism Tasmania being ‘Australia’s best immersive boutique wilderness retreat kept secret’ no longer applies where guests can walk, paddle, explore award and breathe in the spectacular forests after millions of eyes have and lake. Pumphouse Point can be focussed on the island state reached by seaplane from Hobart. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway this year. www.pumphousepoint.com was recognised as the winner of Tropical North Queensland’s Tasmania’s reputation as a must-visit Ratho Farm, an hour north of Hobart destination was cemented by Lonely (TNQ) Ecotourism award at a in historic Bothwell, boasts having ceremony held on 21 November Planet’s October announcement Australia’s oldest golf course. Visit the featuring Tasmania on its global ‘Best in former convict barns and stables or the 2014. This Award affirms Skyrail Travel’ lists. Tasmania was recommended classic highland homestead and learn as an industry leader in the at number four of the top ten regions in about the colourful history of the farm promotion of Ecotourism, whilst the world to visit in 2015. guests – from bushrangers, 100-year- conserving natural resources, Tourism Australia’s amazing gala old gardeners, golfing royalty and one respecting local cultures and event, ‘Invite the World to Dinner’ at of England’s best known artists. Swing providing benefits to the local Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art a club, enjoy four kilometres of prime community. (MONA), brought together over 80 river fishing and walks, or visit nearby of the world’s most influential food attractions including Nant Whisky Skyrail’s Managing Director, Craig and wine personalities and media from Distillery. Pocock said Skyrail was proud to around the world. A ‘Best of Australia’ www.rathofarm.com receive the award “this award is menu was enjoyed by over 250 guests fantastic recognition of our long term Port Arthur Lavender, on the in the eclectic surrounds of MONA, commitment to showcasing World waterfront at Long Bay, is just a five- set amongst a backdrop of amazing Heritage Rainforest to our guests in minute drive from the iconic Port Arthur art work. the most ecologically sensitive manner Historic Site. Set on 18 acres of lavender possible.” “I would like to congratulate Just days later Tasmania hosted a visit fields, rainforest and lakes, it provides and thank all staff for their hard work by Chinese President Xi Jinping and the perfect stop for visitors to roam and dedication. Each and every one has the First Lady, Madame Peng Liyuan. amongst the lavender, interactively contributed to this accolade by working Over 100 million people have followed learn about the manufacturing and together as a team, in order to ensure their visit to Australia and Tasmania on distilling process in the distillery, enjoy that Skyrail remains a world Ecotourism Chinese social media website Weibo, lavender-cuisine and buy unique leader” he added. “I would also like to and an estimated 200 million people Tasmanian gifts created from lavender congratulate the finalists and winners watched his visit to Tasmania through from the farm. in all categories who together, continue the China Central TV network. The visit www.portarthurlavender.com.au to showcase our amazing region to the provided immeasurable international world” said Mr Pocock. exposure for Tasmania. Bangor Wine & Oyster Shed is a cellar door and farmgate shop brimming Skyrail has a focus on continual While Tasmania has been showcased to with cool climate Bangor wines, freshly improvement and looks forward to the world, new product development shucked oysters and local produce, working with you and your clients and offers exciting options for shore located 45 minutes from Hobart on providing visitors with the World’s Most excursions from Hobart. the way to Port Arthur. The shed sits Beautiful Rainforest Experience. beside the vineyard and overlooks the Pumphouse Point is situated on the sea where the oysters are harvested edge of Tasmania’s Wilderness World daily. Here visitors will experience what Heritage area, jutting 250m out from Tasmania is all about – wonderful views, the shoreline of iconic Lake St Clair. This wine and fresh produce. art deco building is a throwback to pioneering hydro-electric days gone by. www.bangorshed.com.au Opening in early January, Pumphouse

Cruise Down Under News December 2014 4 www.cruisedownunder.com Cruise ships to visit regional Victoria

Regional Victoria is getting excited by the future opportunities of the cruise sector. On 23 February 2015 the Mornington Peninsula will see its first ever cruise ship visit, with P&Os Pacific Pearl anchoring in Port Phillip Bay. Passengers will disembark the ship at Mornington to enjoy a day touring the wineries, hot springs and gardens PNG continues to grow of the Peninsula. A second Mornington visit will take For the Papua accepts young people to provide place on 18 March. (PNG) cruise year, there has been services and tourism advice to tourists a total of 168 cruise calls in 2014. visiting PNG via cruise ships at major Portland is also growing in popularity ports. PNG recognises that tourists are with four visits planned between Sixteen cruise ship companies frequently unsure about the safety 24 February and 7 March, with both called into PNG, the majority of visiting PNG’s tourist hotspots and the Pacific Pearl and the Pacific being expeditionary style thus matching them with a screened Jewel berthing alongside at the along with a number of larger and competent youth ambassador to recent renovated SL Paterson Berth. vessels such as P&O and Princess alleviate any passenger uncertainty. The Passengers will have the opportunity Cruises. Fred Olsen Line has its program is currently available in Alotau to see Portland and surrounds, Port first voyage into PNG this year. and Rabaul where all volunteers are Fairy, the 12 Apostles and enjoy the issued with uniforms and ID cards. Ships gourmet delights of Timboon during wanting to use the volunteer services their day ashore. New Cruise Site are asked to contact the PNG Tourism Development(s) Promotion Authority (TPA). TPA will Geelong, now an established regional carefully monitor, coordinate, and build port of call will receive three ship visits Madang and Wewak will be new the program to its full capacity before this season, with visitors taking in destinations for P&O Australia in rolling out to other cruise ports in the Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula. February 2015. A big welcome is country. Victoria is enjoying its’ busiest ever planned similar to the Alotau call which cruise season with a total of 85 visits, was the maiden voyage into PNG. There Cruise Tourism including 77 calls to Melbourne. is discussion underway to develop Aitape and Ali Island in the north of the Community Trainings country as cruise destinations. This year trainings were conducted in Milne Bay (Alotau, , ) Volunteer Youth for guides, artisans, craftsman, sellers, Ambassador Program and the general communities on the importance of cruise tourism and its (VYA) benefits. A Volunteer Youth Ambassador Program was launched this year. This program

Cruise Down Under News December 2014 5 www.cruisedownunder.com Focus is on Darwin Fuel Bunker in Darwin ships visiting during this week include cruise ship visitors. In the shape of a fan Arcadia (2 Mar), Queen Mary 2 (3 Mar); and water resistant, the map depicts Darwin’s first bunker barge is now L’Austral (4 Mar); Celebrity Solstice the Darwin CBD area on one side, with in operation at Darwin Harbour. (5 Mar); Seabourn Odyssey (6 Mar) a range of discount shopping and The double-hulled barge, the ‘Teras and Radiance of the Seas (6 Mar). For attraction vouchers on the other. Since Bandicoot’, has a pump rate of 60 further information, contact Richard. most cruise ships visit during the peak tonnes/hour, allowing ships to pump [email protected]. of our humid summer, the fan is well more fuel on board more quickly. The received and can be easily spotted vessel can hold 700 cubic metres of New Shorex in Darwin on the streets of Darwin – showing cargo fuel oil, and will be an asset to the locals just how valuable the cruise the busy harbour, which up to now New activities have been recently sector is. The map is produced by has relied on refuelling being carried launched in Darwin, providing fresh Tourism Top End and distributed by out by road tankers. Teras Bandicoot is ideas and opportunities for shorex Meet & Greet volunteers who meet operated by Teras Australia, and can be programs. These include Segway tours every visiting cruise ship to Darwin. contacted through your ships agent in at various locations around Darwin; Darwin. Anthill Gardens private display garden Darwin to Host Cruise in the rural area where guests can Down Under Conference Darwin Cruise Week meet the owner and sample home- grown produce; morning or afternoon 2015 Carnival – 2-6 March 2015 tea visits at a local private house with homemade cakes and refreshments; the Tourism NT, Darwin Port Corporation Darwin is set to welcome over 10,000 new crocodile cruise at Crocodylus Park and Tourism Top End are delighted to cruise ship passengers in the first week on the city’s outskirts; and Firestone be hosting the CDU Conference 2015, of March 2015, when 6 vessels will call Tours indigenous cultural tours. For 2-4 September. Preparations are well over five consecutive days. To celebrate contact details and suggestions on under way to present a great program Darwin’s busiest ever cruise week, how these new products can be for all delegates, as well as to provide Tourism NT, Tourism Top End, Darwin incorporated into shore excursion ample touring opportunities pre and Port Corporation, City of Darwin and programs please contact richard. post the conference. Why not take other stakeholders are working on [email protected]. the opportunity to explore Litchfield, developing a “Cruise Week Carnival” of Kakadu and the Mary River Wetlands events and activities including pop-up Darwin Welcome Map Fan region on Darwin’s doorstep? Tourism markets, outdoor music performances NT and Tourism Top End are developing and an Indigenous art and tourism Success conference packages for pre, post, showcase. Retailers are also being rail and cruise options into and out of The Darwin Welcome Map Fan encouraged to promote special offers Darwin. Stay tuned for further info. to visiting passengers and crew. The continues to be a great success with New tour experiences in Melbourne

Never a city to stand still, the Gardens and for those a little more A city renowned for its coffee passion, Melbourne has some exciting adventurous, there is now a punt taking experience take the Walk Melbourne new tour experiences for cruise people on a ride on the ornamental Coffee tour and try locally roasted lake. To complete the experience the beans, meet the makers as you walk passengers. Aboriginal Heritage Walk takes visitors through the laneways and arcades The beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens on an enthralling guided walk of the of Melbourne. To really get to know situated on the Yarra River have made gardens explaining the significance of Melbourne there’s also the Melbourne getting around the gardens a whole lot the Gardens from the traditional owners Experience tour taking in food, fashion easier with a new Explorer passenger of the land. www.rbg.vic.gov.au and some amazing views of Melbourne mover taking people on a guided tour from the rooftop bars. Walk Melbourne offers small group www.walkmelbourne.com.au of the extensive gardens. Stunning guided walking tours for those who views of the city can be gained from want to discover the real Melbourne.

Cruise Down Under News December 2014 6 www.cruisedownunder.com Maiden voyage of Carnival Legend

CDU continues its’ tradition to present plaques to ships making maiden voyages to Australia. Carnival Legend was welcomed into Sydney in September for her seasonal deployment through to April 2015 Volendam’s maiden visit to CDU Management Committee Member John McKenna presented the plaque Port Arthur to maiden voyage Carnival Legend in Sydney. On board CL with Matteo A commemorative plaque Port Arthur’s newly commissioned Cavallarin – Technical Superintendent, mounted on a convict brick tender jetty made transferring Denise Minakowski – Director of was presented to the Captain the passengers ashore a safe, Shoreside Operations, and Captain of straightforward and enjoyable process of MS Volendam to mark her for all concerned. Carnival Legend Francesco La Fauci. maiden visit to the Port Arthur Historic Site on Thursday A further ten cruise ships are scheduled 20 November, 2014. to call at Port Arthur by mid-March. 1 million The Holland America Line cruise ship Read more about services and facilities brought around 1400 passengers to for cruise ships calling at Port Arthur the historic site on November 20, which www.portarthur.org.au/cruiseship passengers also marked the opening of the cruise season at Port Arthur. for Brisbane Passengers enjoyed a range of tours and activities as they explored Port Brisbane Cruise Terminal at Portside Arthur and the nearby Coal Mines welcomed their 1,000,000th passenger Historic Site, both of which are on the through the terminal recently, eight World Heritage list. years ahead of projections. The terminal opened in 2006 and cruise ship visits to the Portside terminal have tripled in the last seven years to 96 visits annually.

Cruise Down Under News December 2014 7 www.cruisedownunder.com New face for Cruise Eden Cruise Eden has thrown the the viewpoint that now is the time to “Over the medium term the cruise ropes and is sailing into a new invest.” opportunity will help bring operators era following the appointment up to that next level, straight away “We are all very excited to have someone though Carnival will be bringing two of local businesswoman of Natalie's capability coming on board P&O ships into port next year and it is Natalie Godward as part-time and her focus will be on preparing for critical we make this the passengers Cruise Manager. the visits we have next year, working best port experience of the cruise. That with operators on new product, will be 3000 or so people we have Eden’s Gail Ward has cheerfully stepped modelling business opportunities, chance to sell Eden to.” ashore after voluntarily holding the contributing to strategy and of course demanding role for 6 years, but will marketing the port to cruise ship “I have had a fantastic few years on the work closely with Sapphire Coast companies,'' Mr Osborne said. Merimbula Chamber but I am excited Tourism (SCT), Eden Chamber of about this new opportunity, I feel Commerce and Mrs Godward to A cruise working group consisting of fortunate such a great opportunity has transition the management of the Eden Chamber, TAFE, Ports Authority come along.” cruise opportunity to the peak tourism of New South Wales and council body. representatives will be set up to support Enquiries about cruise can be directed the position and ensure no stone is left to [email protected] With cruise visits to Eden scheduled to unturned in pursuing excellence. rise sharply in 2016, SCT is preparing well in advance to leverage every Natalie, who will resign as president of opportunity for the local and regional the Merimbula Chamber of Commerce tourism economy. in the new year to focus on the new role, sees cruise as the stimulus to great ''This is an opportunity with a significant things in tourism. upside, and forward planning will help us maximise results,” SCT tourism ''We know as a tourism community we manager Anthony Osborne said. need more visitor experiences around our key selling points of nature and “SCT, Eden Chamber of Commerce and coast, heritage and our stunning oyster Bega Valley Shire Council are taking industry,” she said.

Cruise Down Under News December 2014 8 www.cruisedownunder.com New Members: ID New Zealand Corporate Protection Australia IDNZ is New Zealand’s leading The Corporate Protection Australia destination management company and Group (CPA Group) is a dynamic and has enjoyed this status for more than specialist protection organisation. We 35 years. Our expertise and destination provide premium corporate (human knowledge includes all aspects of travel and asset) protection to the mining, planning and passenger logistics for: maritime and critical infrastructure • Incentives, Meetings & Events industries. • Cruise Our core company value is loyalty - • Groups it defines who we are and what we • FIT stand for. We have the understanding of what it The CPA Group has a fundamental takes to meet and exceed our clients’ philosophy of consultation and expectations and delight in developing communication with clients, associates the very best experiences to showcase and industry to maximise the outcome our beautiful country. for our client. We pride ourselves on competitively Contact: Tracy Hogan priced, varied and innovative E: [email protected] programmes which result in great success for both IDNZ and our clients. Contact: Debbie Summers E: [email protected]

Published By CRUISE DOWN UNDER INC [ABN 44 021 935 869] Editor: Jill Abel Address: PO Box 1117 Sandy Bay, Tasmania, Australia 7006 Follow CDU on Twitter Phone/Fax: +61 3 62237334 CDU is now on Twitter, keeping the industry informed of Email: [email protected] the issues and opportunities in the Australian cruise sector. Web: www.cruisedownunder.com We’ll also be posting regular news items, links, calls for Opinions published are not necessarily comment, and announcements via Twitter, so make sure those of the publisher. to follow us: @CruiseCDU Every effort is made to ensure the information published is correct.

Cruise Down Under News December 2014 9 www.cruisedownunder.com