Royal Caribbean’s giant cruise ship Explorer of the Seas is bringing 4000 passengers to Wollongong just before Valentine's Day.
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Destination Wollongong and partners such as the IRT Group, Premier Illawarra and many local attractions are gearing up for a return visit by the large mega-liner which is set to dock at Port Kembla at 7am on February 11 and leave around 5pm.
Explorer of the Seas latest visit is part of an east-coast cruise to Hobart. Many of the more than 4000 guests onboard and crew, that number well over 1000, are expected to take the opportunity to experience Wollongong and the Illawarra in different ways.
Cruise Wollongong chair and city councillor Leigh Colacino said many will take a shore excursions to attractions such as Symbio Wildlife Park, Minamurra Rainforest, Historial Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS), Inside Industry Steel Tours and the Southern Highlands. Or take advantage of the free shuttle buses to the Wollongong arts precinct “where in a short walk they can be shopping or relaxing by the beach”.
“This is the seventh cruise ship that has visited Wollongong since 2016 and is expected to deliver over $500,000 in regional economic benefits through its day-visit here,” Cr Colacino said.
Cruise Wollongong project manager Stuart Barnes said the welcome precinct outside the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre will feature entertainment from Guramaa Aboriginal Performers, the Con Artists and local singer Blessie Pica. “There will be 10 stall holders with a variety of artifacts and items for sale and our famous team of ambassadors will be welcoming and assisting guests”.
IRT Foundation’s Toby Dawson said “we’re really excited about the strength of the ambassador program that continues to underpin the enjoyable experience had by cruise guests. Our volunteer ambassadors will again be placed strategically around the city to assist guests with their visit to Wollongong and provide guidance and directions to maximise their experience”.
Cr Colacino knows the ambassadors will again show the visitors the kind of welcome the city has become renowned for. “The fact that we are heading into this third season shows that Wollongong has definitely made its mark on the Australian Cruise Map as another great destination”.
Destination Wollongong is encouraging locals to help welcome guests and be a part of the excitement around the CBD. It is also advising businesses to be ready for an influx of visitors.
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