Phillip Island hosts cruise restart workshop

Destination Phillip Island and Visit Victoria hosted a Cruise Restart Workshop on March 16 with presentations from experts in the Australian Cruise Industry.

This followed the welcome announcement on Tuesday from the Federal Government that the cruise ships ban will end on April 17.

“Our last pre-pandemic cruise season was the biggest on record with 13 ships visiting the island contributing $3.57 million to the region’s economy,” said Kim Storey, General Manager at Destination Phillip Island.

Phillip Island was set to welcome 18 ships for the 20/21 season and there are currently nine ships booked to arrive for this coming 22/23 season.

The first ship, the Seabourn Odyssey, is set to arrive on Wednesday, December 7.

This coming season seven of the nine ships will arrive midweek.

Jill Abel, CEO of the Australian Cruise Association (ACA) highlighted that forward cruise bookings have already exceeded expectations.

“On board revenue which includes shore excursions is higher than pre-pandemic levels and we continue to explore opportunities to expand the economic value ashore,” Jill said.

Joel Katz, Managing Director of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) noted that the global cruise industry capacity would be back to about 94 per cent by the end of July.

Arriving cruise ships currently anchor between Cowes and Rhyll with passengers transported to Rhyll jetty where they are greeted and can catch shuttle buses to Cowes or join ship arranged tours.

“One priority for this coming season is the recruitment of enthusiastic and professional tour guides,” said Kim Storey.

Destination Phillip Island said it will work with Bass Coast Shire Council, industry partners and local stakeholders to develop a cruise ship support program for this upcoming season, including a communications program.