Six cruise ships are set to dock at the Port of Hedland in 2020, highlighted by calls from Cruise and Maritime Voyages and Royal Caribbean International, said Roger Johnston, CEO of Pilbara Ports Authority

The news is encouraging following a 2019 with no calls.

In addition, the Caledonian Sky will become the first cruise ship ever to visit the Port of Dampier when she docks there next year.

“Pilbara Ports Authority continues to work with Tourism WA, Pilbara Development Commission, the Pilbara Tourism Association, the City of Karratha and Town of Port Hedland to further develop the Pilbara as a cruise destination,” said Johnston. “This includes working with Tourism WA to host a familiarization tour of the Port of Dampier and Karratha for cruise line executives and destination handlers.”

The Pilbara Ports Authority is also reviewing current infrastructure for potential expansion in the future.

At the Port of Dampier, a change of vessel procedures has been introduced to accommodate boutique cruise ships less than 180 meters in length.

The Pilbara Ports Authority has also restructured its cruise ship fee schedule to reduce the cost to cruise ship operators for all ship sizes. This includes reduced fees for smaller vessels to encourage more visits to the ports.