PRINCESS Cruises will again set sail from Fremantle (pictured) in 2027, in a major boost for Western Australia and the country’s cruise sector.
The news was broken by The West Australian this weekend, ahead of the Australian Cruise Association (ACA) conference taking place in Fremantle later this week (CW 25 Aug).
Princess’ new VP Asia Pacific Matthew Rutherford told the newspaper his cruise line is committed to the state.
“We look forward to continuing to play a significant role in the growth of the cruise market in WA and supporting the beautiful regional towns, so watch this space,” he said.
Western Australia’s New Minister for Tourism Reece Whitby is set to open the ACA conference, and said his government is fully invested in the cruise sector.
“We are positioning WA as a unique, world-class cruise destination that offers unforgettable experiences, while supporting the long-term sustainability of the sector,” Whitby told The West Australian.
“This ‘WA Cruise Tourism Strategic Plan’ is designed to put our state firmly on the map for future cruise itineraries, and the Cook Government has backed it with an additional $1 million investment into cruise tourism over the next four years.”
Whitby will address delegates at the conference’s welcome function at Gage Roads Freo this Wed, as Scenic’s ultra-luxury yacht Scenic Eclipse II makes her inaugural visit to the port city. MS
