Wollongong's natural beauty is what the international cruise line bringing some of the world's largest ships to Port Kembla wants its passengers to see.
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In announcing the proposed tour program for Radiance of the Seas’ maiden visit on October 30, the Miami office of Royal Caribbean has chosen several scenic tours among the six products it is recommending.
But half the 2400 passengers are likely to hop on a free shuttle into town to check out shops and eateries. Activities are being planned in the Lang Park area to create a festive atmosphere so visitors feel so welcome they want to tell the world.
“Let us put our best foot forward and show what Wollongong has to offer to every single passenger and all the crew,” Councillor Leigh Colacino.
“I think residents are going to be surprised with how much people who have never been here before love this place.''
Destination Wollongong’s Mark Sleigh said the proposed tour program (see below) coincided with Intercruises being confirmed as the land product manager. But neither it nor the tourism body had chosen the six products shortlisted by Royal Caribbean.
Guests will begin disembarking at 8.15am and those who pre-book tours will be transported directly to the attraction. Other passengers will have access to a free shuttle which will run between the ship and Lang Park every 15 minutes.
Visitor information services will be readily available so they can quickly find what they might like to do or see. A taxi rank will be located close by and the Gong Shuttle may run more frequently.
They have got to be able to experience Wollongong and what we are,” Cr Colacino said.
Destination Wollongong is presently working with NSW Ports to ensure traffic runs smoothly in the morning when thousands of people are expected to line the foreshore.
Cr Colacino said the visit is considered so important by Royal Caribbean that Gavin Smith, despite being promoted internationally and relocating to London, is coming to Wollongong to speak at an Illawarra Women in Business forum on July 22.
It was Cr Colacino who first knocked on Mr Smith’s door to ask if Royal Caribbean would consider Wollongong as a destination. Mr Smith will explain his vision for the cruise lines’ future in the city and what residents can expect from the maiden voyage.
He is now an international senior vice president of the company and his ongoing interest is seen as a sign of the significant role Wollongong may soon play in the rapidly growing cruise ship market.
“I think residents are going to be surprised with how much people who have never been here before love this place. We can take it for granted. Royal Caribbean don’t,” Cr Colacino said.
Program for ship visitors to Gong
Proposed tour program for Radiance of the Seas passengers takes in Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and the Southern Highlands. There will also be free shuttle buses into Wollongong.
- Wollongong & Surrounds – 4 hours – Tour of history and sights with local expert. Includes Port Kembla, Shellharbour Village & Bulli Tops.
- Symbio Wildlife Park – 5 hours – Up close animal encounters and a visit to Bald Hill and Sea Cliff Bridge.
- Australian Aviation History – 3 hours – Guided tour of Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) to see historic planes such as the 1955 Lockheed Super Constellation (Connie).
- Mindfulness and meditation – 4 hours – Visit to Nan Tien, the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere, for lunch and mindfulness meditation.
- Kiama Blow Hole, tree top walk, waterfalls and Southern Highlands – 7 hours – guided tour taking in Fitzroy Falls and a winery.
- Farm, fresh fruit and a honey bee – 5 hours – 90 minute visit to a farm/orchard and scenic tour of Sea Cliff Bridge/Bald Hill.
Wollongong lays out the welcome rug for visitors
Bald Hill, waterfalls, historic aircraft, a farm and animal encounters are among the tours Radiance of the Seas passengers are being offered when they sail into Port Kembla in October.
In releasing the proposed tour program Royal Caribbean’s Miami office is identifying Wollongong’s natural beauty as a must see.
And the man who first knocked on the international cruise line’s door nearly four years understands why. There is no more picturesque city in the world than the one Councillor Leigh Colacino calls home.
He knows up to half the 2400 passengers will choose to hop on a free shuttle bus to the Blue Mile to take in the city’s shops and restaurants. He said it was important to put out the welcome mat and make sure every person on the ship has such a good time they want to tell the world.
The announcement of Intercruises as the land product manager is another significant step as the clock ticks down to October 30 when Wollongong’s first cruise ship comes in. It is the first of three Royal Caribbean visits already confirmed. More are expected soon.
“Over the next three months there will be a series of announcements of significant milestones and this is the first of those operationally. Royal Caribbean sent their experts from Miami. They had a look at all there is to do and then decided, based on the demographic of who is on the ship, what they include. This cruise is a older because it is outside school holidays.”
Cr Colacino thinks it great so much of the city is included. Bald Hill is featured in three tours and most of the work being done there will be finished in time.
“That is a great way to showcase Wollongong. They will be able to see their ship from up there. And with free buses coming into the CBD, passengers will come to local restaurants and bars. It is pretty exciting to think they have spent so much time and effort planning this eight hour stopover.”
Cr Colacino said it showed Royal Caribbean was looking ahead and Wollongong can really benefit by putting its best foot forward. Port Kembla being considered a home port is not out of the question.
“This is not just an opportunity to entertain the visitors who are arriving here that day. This is an opportunity for the city to change perceptions both nationally and internationally of everything that is fantastic about Wollongong”.