The visit by Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas to Wollongong will be the last confirmed date for a cruise ship this season.

Explorer of the Seas is confirmed for March next year.

However,  given the success of the first visits to the region by a major cruise company and the support shown by the Illawarra, it’s hoped more visits will be confirmed later in the year.

It is certainly hoped Royal Caribbean will increase its visitation to the region.

It’s also possible, given the success of Royal Caribbean’s visits, more major players in the cruise industry will look at Port Kembla as a viable alternative to the already over-capacity Sydney Harbour.

Local businesses reported to a strong trade during the Voyager of the Seas visit in late December and in preparation are ramping up to be ready for the increase in patronage on Wednesday.

That can only be a good thing for local tourism and the economy.

It’s important we all do our bit to showcase the region.

Our local ambassadors will again be out in force helping the many national and international visitors  and if you are out and about share a smile and a greeting with those wearing their cruise ship lanyards.

This is setting a whole new course for tourism in the Illawarra and we can all help steer the cruise industry in this wonderful part of the world to a safe harbour.

Those that were at the WEC on Friday can attest, the Illawarra Hawks have the place rocking.

The Hawks battled for three quarters but showed terrific grit to get over the top of a determined Brisbane Bullets outfit and secure second spot on the National Basketball League ladder,

The “Illawarra” chant was ringing out around the stadium long after the final siren had sounded and was even at one stage led by coach Rob Beveridge in what was a spine-tingling moment.

This Friday the Hawks are at home again against a revamped New Zealand Breakers.

The Hawks have a strong run at home leading into the finals so make sure you are onboard for the action.