Geraldton is set to welcome 10 cruise ship calls for the 2019-2020 season, up from eight last year.

“With the Premier recently announcing the Houtman Abrolhos Islands being declared as a National Park, expedition style cruising will soon be a reality along our coastline. It allows ships which would normally bypass Geraldton the opportunity to visit, learn about the fantastic shipwreck history of the islands as well as the thriving crayfish and pearling industries,” said Joanne Brown of Cruise Geraldton (Mid West Ports Authority and City of Greater Geraldton).

Part of the line-up of calls for 2019-2020 includes a trio of visits from the Vasco da Gama, thanks to Tourism Western Australia’s landmark agreement with Cruise & Maritime Voyages.

New for the season is a new set of shore tension units and a new gangway that will allow better access to ships with a lower shell door access. 

With Geraldton being so close to Fremantle, the port provides a safe berthing option that is a quick transit from a key turnaround port. Geraldton can accommodate ships up to 345 meters in length.

“Geraldton is reliant on Broome and Exmouth Ports being able to accommodate cruise ships and with the development of these Ports, we are positive that more itineraries will include Geraldton,” Brown added.