Sydney Welcomes Three Superliners As Cruising Surges In Popularity

Sydney Welcomes Three Superliners as Cruising Surges in Popularity

10 December 2009

Sydney has welcomed three superliners this morning in a Harbour spectacle that further underlines the growing popularity of cruising.

The parade included the 116,000-tonne megaliner Diamond Princess, the popular 77,000- tonne superliner Sun Princess and P&O Cruises' latest superliner, Pacific Jewel, making her first ever call to her new homeport of Sydney.

The 70,000-tonne Pacific Jewel is now berthed at White Bay, Balmain, in preparation for her official naming by Her Excellency, Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor-General of Australia, on Saturday evening at Circular Quay.

Meanwhile, Diamond Princess is at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay, today, while Sun Princess is berthed at Wharf 8 Darling Harbour.

Between them, the superliners can carry 6650 passengers and 2500 crew.

"The cruise trifecta is a visual demonstration of the growth of the local cruise industry - the standout performer in tourism," said Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, which represents all three ships.

"Flanked by her sister ships, Pacific Jewel's arrival into Sydney today means there are now five ships cruising full-time from the Australian market compared with two just three years ago."

Earlier this week, an Access Economics report found the cruise industry was contributing $1.2 billion to the Australian economy each year a jump of 54% in the 12 months to 2007-08.

The report said the industry was expected to grow about 7% each year for the next 10 years.

"Cruising continues to defy the global financial crisis as more and more Australians discover it is not only a great way to travel but also great value, which is why we are experiencing another record cruise season this summer," Ms Sherry said.

Pacific Jewel's arrival is a highlight of the summer cruise season, which will be the biggest yet for Carnival Australia. P&O Cruises will stage a spectacular party for the public at Circular Quay between 5pm and 9pm on Saturday night to celebrate the ship's naming, featuring performances by Idol winners Stan Walker and Wes Carr.

In all, Carnival Australia will welcome 12 ships to Sydney over summer, including the magnificent Queen Mary 2, making her third visit to the city in March, and the world's most luxurious ship, Seabourn Odyssey which will visit Sydney on February 24.

Media information:
Anthony Fisk or Sandy Olsen, Carnival Australia
02 8424 8861 or 0414 848 125

SOURCE: Carnival Australia