A discussion with Cr Leigh Colacino after the announcement Royal Caribbean is bringing the giant passenger ship Voyager of the Seas to Port Kembla during two South Pacific cruises this summer highlights the importance of what he, Mark Sleigh and Destination Wollongong have done.
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Cr Colacino did not knock on the door of the large international cruise line four years ago for himself or for Royal Caribbean. He did it for the same reason 400 people are volunteering to welcome passengers when Radiance of the Seas makes its maiden cruise on October 30.
He said it is no mistake that Royal Caribbean have shown a massive vote of confidence in Wollongong by announcing the arrival of three different sized ships during the next 18 months. The global company is impressed by the community response and the way we have embraced its decision to bring mega cruise-liners here. He feels they are confident we can handle any size ship at a port with so much infrastructure already in place for their needs. And it is a chance to show Port Kembla off as a great port of call and a cruise industry destination in its own right.
Cr Colacino said with so many people looking for an opportunity to spend their holiday budget on having fun and being able to look back and feel satisfied, this is an opportunity for us to give them the kind of experience where they can spend up and really enjoy themselves. And in doing so we can help showcase a region and a city in which we can all be proud.
For Cr Colacino Thursday’s announcement of one of the largest cruise ships in the world coming to Wollongong is another step in activating a golden opportunity with enormous potential for the whole region. And as the excitement builds we can all help Port Kembla become even more than a destination where experiences are had and dreams fulfilled. The ultimate goal with the greatest economic impact is for it to become a turnaround port where cruises start and finish. With Royal Caribbean’s global social media reach three cruise ship visits in three months provide a chance to show the world what we have to offer. In Cr Colacino’s words it is “a brand new business” and a “brand new opportunity” for Wollongong to become a powerhouse in the travel industry. It is the community coming together that and has given us a reason to party on October 30 when Radiance arrives and keep partying with every cruise ship visit.
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
