The Rockliff Liberal Government recognises the value of the cruise sector to the visitor economy, including regional communities right across Tasmania.
We welcomed the return of cruise shipping to Tasmania in October 2022 following a two-year hiatus, as a result of the pandemic.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson, said Tasmania re-established its position as a successful and popular cruise ship destination during the 2022-2023 cruise ship season, recording 126 cruise ship calls around the State.
"These ships brought more than 170,000 passengers and 88,000 crew to Tasmania," Mr Ferguson said.
"In line with TasPorts' active support of the Tasmanian Liberal Government's targets to increase regional dispersal of visitation, approximately 50 per cent of cruise calls were to regional ports outside of Hobart.
"TasPorts is expecting a bumper cruise ship season for 2023-2024 largely due to the introduction of two new major cruise brands to Australia and each have multiple calls booked at Tasmania.
"The 2023-2024 season will see the introduction of Virgin Voyages and Disney to the Australian market with Disney Wonder and Resilient Lady deployed to the region. The new lines are scheduled to deliver a total of 21 calls to Tasmanian Ports during the 2023-2024 season.
"Based on the current booking schedule, a total of 159 cruise calls are forecast to visit Tasmania during the 2023-2024 season, carrying approximately 287,000 passengers and 124,000 crew.
"The 2023-2024 season commenced on 20 September with the arrival of the Pacific Adventure at the Port of Hobart."
Port Calls State-wide 126:
- Hobart 65;
- Burnie 28;
- Port Arthur 18;
- Port of Coles Bay/Scenic Cruising 6;
- Bell Bay 5;
- Devonport 3; and
- Grassy, King Island 1.
* Figures exclude Coral Discoverer.
The Tasmanian Government has worked with cruise customers, industry bodies, stakeholders, and government agencies on the safe return of cruise shipping to Tasmania since the beginning of the pandemic in early 2022.
International cruise ships are still required to meet all state and territory public health requirements of the jurisdiction into which they berth.
