When Wollongong singer Jennifer Gray started flying to different parts of the world as a cruise ship entertainer six years ago she never thought it would result in her one day sailing into Port Kembla. But that will soon happen when Mrs Gray arrives as part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s maiden voyage to Wollongong.
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The Norwegian Star visit is Mrs Gray’s first trip with NCL and the first time she is able to proudly tell cruise ship passengers about her hometown just before they visit. She has her own show and does about five cruises a year. When she joins Norwegian Star in Auckland on Saturday she also plans to be an ambassador for the city she loves. Her parents Alan and Louise Doughton have been volunteer welcomers for Royal Caribbean passengers in recent months and she is looking forward to being greeted by them herself. “I think that’s a certainty”.
Mrs Gray plans to get up early on February 23 to experience the maiden voyage atmosphere on the deck. She will then catch a shuttle bus into town to see her family.
Destination Wollongong general manager Mark Sleigh said it was wonderful local people such as Mrs Gray were able to get work from cruise lines and hoped more visits to Port Kembla will open up more employment opportunities for Illawarra residents.
More on Mrs Gray’s story closer to arrival day.