Sydney Harbour chockers as luxury cruise ships come to town

Sydney Harbour chockers as luxury cruise ships come to town

Sydney enjoyed an extra touch of glamour on Saturday, with four of the world’s most luxurious ships berthed in the city’s famous harbour – including an unprecedented two vessels at Circular Quay.

Between them the four boutique ships brought close to 3000 high-end visitors to the city and injected more than $2 million into the economy.

The visit marked the first time in history that two modern cruise ships have shared the Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) at the Quay for the day, an event made possible by the boutique size of the vessels, Ponant’s 142-metre long Le Soleal which carries 200 guests and the 180-metre long Azamara Quest with 686 guests.

Meanwhile the ultra-luxury 458-guest Seabourn Odyssey and Silversea Cruises’ 382-guest Silver Whisper were berthed at White Bay Cruise Terminal in Rozelle.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia commercial director Brett Jardine said the visit by four luxury ships was testament to Sydney’s popularity as a world class cruise destination.

“When it comes to cruising, Sydney is in hot demand, as Saturday demonstrated. To have four of the world’s most elegant ships visiting on one day is an extraordinary event – and great news for the local economy,” he said.

The visits come during Sydney’s busiest ever cruise month, with 27 different ships making an extraordinary 45 calls to Sydney during February.  The wave of activity will continue into March, when 17 ships will make 33 calls to the harbour city in just 30 days.

The historic dual berthing at the Overseas Passenger Terminal follows the recent upgrade of cruise facilities at Circular Quay by the Port Authority of NSW including the refurbishment of the terminal and the installation of a new mooring dolphin at the northern end of the wharf.

PONANT's Le Soleal berths behind Azamara Quest at the OPT. Image credit: Nick Rains

PONANT’s Le Soleal berths behind Azamara Quest at the OPT.
Image credit: Nick Rains

Main image credit: Nick Rains

 

 

Latest News