The Port Authority of New South Wales (NSW) is gearing up for its upcoming summer cruise season, which is expected to be the largest since the pandemic and one of Australia’s busiest seasons to date.

According to a statement, NSW recorded a total economic impact from cruising worth $2.5 billion in 2022-23, with the cruise industry supporting nearly 9,000 local jobs.

The season officially started on October 19 when the first international cruise ship of the season sailed into Sydney Harbour.

For the rest of the season, the ports will welcome a total of 331 cruise calls, which marks a 16 percent increase compared to the previous summer. This will include a record number of maiden calls surpassing the 2022-23 summer season, with 12 first-time ships set to make their inaugural call to Sydney Harbour.

Port Authority of NSW CEO Captain Philip Holliday said: “Our new 10-year license agreement will see even more cruise liners adding the Hunter to their itineraries, building on the cruise industry success already achieved in Newcastle. Expanding operations in Newcastle will support a regional tourism boom in the decade ahead.”

Cruise Lines International Association Managing Director Joel Katz added: “Cruising has made an incredible comeback and cruise fans have been heading back to sea in droves. Australia’s cruise industry generated a record $5.63 billion for the national economy in the 2022-23 financial year, supporting 18,225 jobs around the country.”

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said: “Our magnificent ports are the gateway to all NSW has to offer. I’m thrilled cruise season has officially launched on our Harbour today, with the first ship arriving from the Northern Hemisphere, bringing almost 3,000 passengers and more than 1,200 crew into Sydney.”