Fremantle is the first Australian port of call for Ovation of the Seas, the biggest cruise ship to ever visit Australia. 

Premier and Tourism Minister Colin Barnett today welcomed the vessel in Fremantle at a special ceremony featuring more than 100 local entertainers and performers.

“It is an absolute honour to welcome this state-of-the-art cruise ship on her inaugural cruise to Australia,” Barnett said.

The State Government through Tourism Western Australia, the Cruise WA Committee and industry is implementing a plan to maximize economic benefits of cruise shipping to WA, and position the State as a desirable and capable cruise shipping destination, according to a statement. 

The Premier said cruise shipping was a vital part of the State’s $9.6 billion tourism industry.

“We have seen extraordinary growth in cruise shipping in WA in recent years, with more to come,” he said.

“Last financial year, the sector contributed $275 million to the State’s economy and WA recorded 121 cruise ship visit days, a 19.8 percent increase on the 101 visits in 2014-15.

“Passenger numbers have also grown from 199,499 in 2014-15 to 224,409 in 2015-16.

“Cruise shipping forms an important part of our overall strategy to increase the value of tourism in WA to $12 billion by 2020.”