Wollongong to receive first visit from cruise ship
With lush forests, fascinating attractions and gorgeous coastline, there’s no denying the fact that Wollongong is one of the most beautiful regions in Australia. So it might come as a surprise to many to find that a cruise ship has never visited this region.
Well, that’s all about to change, with July 22 marking 100 days until the Gong receives its first ever cruise ship, a move that could bring millions in tourists dollars.
Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas will drop anchor in the region on October 30, with many travel experts calling it a turning point for the Illawarra.
Destination Wollongong general manager Mark Sleigh told the Illawarra Mercury, “Radiance of the Seas has about 2500 passengers and about 700 staff. They’ll be out and about in the local community. We expect somewhere around 40-50 per cent of those will pre-purchase tours to go out and have a look at the fantastic tourist attractions in the region and South Coast.”
The region is eagerly anticipating the arrival of the cruise liner, with local Marion Millar among those volunteering their services to greet passengers.
Mrs Millar told the Illawarra Mercury, “I am proud of Wollongong. I think it is wonderful Wollongong. And I am so happy to know cruise ships are coming. There is so much to see here. I think they should move the cruise ship passenger terminal down here. And I think we should put on a welcome for the passengers on every ships that comes in.”
What’s your take? Do you think it’s a good thing that the Illawarra is finally being opened up to cruise ship? Or are you against the idea?
Let us know what you think in the comments.
Image credit: Royal Carribean
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