Wollongong is stepping up its efforts to promote itself as a fun and welcoming port of call when Radiance of the Seas returns for its second visit on Monday.
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Not only will Port Kembla take the opportunity to prove itself again as a capable destination for cruise ships of all sizes the enthusiasm of people living in the city continues to shine.
Cruise Wollongong chair councillor Leigh Colacino said this time many artists and musicians will be providing a distinctly Illawarra welcome in the Arts Precinct where cruise ship passengers will disembark from shuttle buses.
A highlight this time is a Makers Market featuring jewellery, art, food and gifts from across the region. The Koori Kulcha Aboriginal Corporation is selling indigenous cuisine such as kangaroo, emu and crocodile as well as a selection of sweets. There will also be cooking classes based on bush tucker. Koori Kulcha manager Marie Barbaric said it was a great way for her and her 12 year old daughter Nikita Duff to share their traditional culture.
in doing so they will be giving visiting cruise ship passengers a unique experience.
Other stall holders come from Wollongong City Council’s Made in Wollongong initiative.
IRT Foundation’s Toby Dawson said more than 150 Wollongong ambassadors will greet newcomers and share information about the city and the region while Cancer Council volunteers will deliver a Sun Smart message. The Top Blokes Foundation will also join in the welcome.
Mr Dawson said the enthusiasm from the volunteers at Wollongong Golf Club on Monday night was just as great as it was before the maiden voyage,
Some of the volunteers will also be helping out with Australia Day celebrations on the Wollongong foreshore this Friday and for the Wigan versus Hull English Super League game at WIN Stadium in February.
Cr Colacino said Wollongong can take pride in the reputation it has built and he is planning to find a good vantage point to watch the ship makes its second visit and then be in the Arts Precinct to help welcome passengers.
He said the from the feedback being received Wollongong really is earning itself the reputation of being one of the world’s friendliest ports of call.
Radiance of the Seas arrival on January 29 will followed by Explorer of the Seas making its first visit on March 18.
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