Destination Wollongong is still expecting Norwegian Cruise Lines to bring Norwegian Star to Wollongong on February 23 despite it being towed to Melbourne for urgent engine repairs.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
General manager Mark Sleigh understands the maintenance will take several days. He said NSW Ports spoke to Intercruise on Monday and it expected the cruise line to stick with its intention to complete the maintenance and return to the original itinerary.
“As far as they are concerned the booking is in the system and there is no reason to believe there will be any change,” he said.
Mr Sleigh said it was still all systems go for Norwegian Star’s maiden voyage to Wollongong on February 23. “At this stage we have to continue with our planning because we can’t make it happen on two days notice. There is no reason to think there is going to be any change”.
If the ship makes it Mr Sleigh believes the welcome the passengers get by Wollongong’s volunteer ambassadors will provide them with a great cruise highlight. He watched the coverage from Melbourne on the weekend and noted how everyone interviewed had an accent. “It is not a domestic cruise line. I think the opportunity to welcome so many international visits to Wollongong is something we can feel really excited about. Hopefully we get to WOW them..as we have the previous visits of Royal Caribbean”.