Following a successful 2024-25 cruise season, Newcastle is preparing to welcome a record-breaking 19 cruise ships in 2026-27.

The 2024-25 season saw nine ships visit the Port of Newcastle, carrying almost 10,000 passengers.

Highlights included maiden visits from Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess and Phoenix Reisen’s Amadea, along with four calls from Viking.

In addition to exploring Newcastle’s rich history, beautiful coastline and vibrant culture, many cruise passengers also ventured beyond the city to discover food and wine, natural experiences and attractions in the Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie, Central Coast, Maitland and Morpeth.

During the 2025-26 season, Newcastle will welcome eight ship visits, including maiden calls by Silversea’s Silver Nova (October 2025), Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge (December 2025), and Princess’ Crown Princess (March 2026).

Also arriving on 19 December will be The World, the world's largest privately owned residential yacht, which features 165 luxury residences at sea.

The 2026-27 cruise season will bring approximately 24,000 passengers to the region.

Cruise ships arrive in Newcastle at the port’s Channel Berth, located at Carrington, with a shuttle bus taking passengers to the CBD. Cruise passengers who have booked a shore excursion tour via the cruise line depart from the cruise terminal.

Learn more here.

Newcastle Tourism Industry Group is currently seeking expressions of interest from Novocastrians to join its Cruise Welcome Volunteer program for 2025-27.

Volunteers will assist with giving directions and information on transport, shopping, dining and places to explore while in Newcastle.

Learn more here.

Charting a course for Hunter cruise growth

Seven councils and two peak tourism organisations from the Hunter and Central Coast recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to unlock new opportunities for local businesses to benefit from the regional cruise industry in NSW.

The three-year partnership, led by Port Authority of NSW, brings together Newcastle Council, Lake Macquarie Council, Cessnock Council, Singleton Council, Port Stephens Council, Maitland Council, Central Coast Council, Destination Sydney Surrounds North and Newcastle Tourism Industry Group.

It aims to enhance cruise visitor experiences that support cruise growth, and ensure local business to capitalise on the increasing opportunities.

A key outcome from the agreement was joint funding for a part-time cruise coordinator who will work with cruise lines to expand their itineraries for shore experiences in the Hunter and Central Coast regions.

Port Authority of NSW CEO John McKenna said: “This partnership is about more than just welcoming cruise ships. It’s about showcasing the incredible experiences the regions have to offer—from the natural beauty of the Central Coast and the Hunter Valley’s world-class wine country to the vibrant energy of Newcastle itself.

“It’s a win-win: passengers get unforgettable experiences and local businesses and communities benefit from the economic opportunities that come with a thriving cruise industry.”

Learn more here.

Destination NSW supports cruise tourism growth

Destination NSW’s NSW First program supports businesses to make the most out of cruise visitation.

It provides tips and tools for working with the cruise industry to join a cruise line’s official shore excursion program, plus information on how retailers and hospitality venues can benefit from cruise ship visits.

The latest resource is an on-demand webinar—Creating unforgettable cruise shore experiences—that explores current cruising trends and the value of the cruise sector.

It provides practical tips for creating shore experiences that meet cruise passenger expectations, success stories from visitor economy businesses already thriving in the cruise market and information about cruise distribution channels and how to effectively collaborate with the cruise travel trade.

Learn more here.