SYDNEY – P&O Cruises will become the first cruise company to base a ship in Newcastle, New South Wales.
Pacific Sun will offer a total of six cruises from Newcastle, including four voyages to the South Pacific and a 10-night exploration of the Queensland coast, when she begins sailing from the city in September 2010.
Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, which operates P&O Cruises, said Newcastle was well placed to take advantage of Australia’s booming cruise industry.
“The decision to base a ship out of Newcastle will have a significant economic impact on the region with about 18,000 passengers and crew embarking and disembarking in the city,†Sherry said.
“At a time when everybody else is talking doom and gloom, it is fantastic to have some great news for Newcastle that will help support the local economy.
“We expect Pacific Sun to contribute about $500,000 to the local economy each time she visits, through operating costs, crew and incidental passenger spending and the supply of local wine from the Hunter region.â€
