Geraldton’s 2023-24 cruise ship season kicks off this Friday with Coral Princess visit

Geraldton is set to roll out the welcome mat as cruise ships dock in port and passengers fill the streets and attractions for the 2023-24 season.

It doesn’t seem that long ago that the city bid bon voyage to the final cruise liner of the bumper 2022-23 season, and now the 2023-24 season is about to kick off this Friday, November 10, with the Coral Princess’ visit.

Geraldton will receive seven visits from five different ships between November this year and May 2024, with millions of dollars again expected to be generated for the city’s economy. Four of those ships will be carrying more than 1500 passengers.

The visit expected to headline the season is the inaugural stopover by Brilliance of the Seas in February 2024.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune is excited to see the cruise ships return.

“More than 11,000 people visited the Mid West last cruise season, boosting our economy and providing a huge number of visitors with a taste of the Mid West that they otherwise might not have experienced,” he said.

“Our region continues to be a much sought-after destination for cruise passengers, and we are incredibly proud of the welcome hub and the shoreside model that has been developed.

“Needless to say, this is a collaborative effort which could not be achieved without the cooperation and support of our partners Mid West Ports Authority, Euphorium, the awesome cruise ship volunteers and many other key stakeholders.”

Last year’s cruise season saw 11 visits from seven ships, with 11,240 passengers injecting $3.3 million into the local economy.

The City has again engaged local events company Euphorium and Mid West Ports Authority to provide cruise ship coordination services for the 2023-24 season.

MWPA CEO Damian Tully said: “Cruise tourism is extremely important to the Mid West economy, injecting millions of dollars each year into our local businesses,” he said.

“Mid West Ports is proud to facilitate and support the arrival of cruise passengers to our beautiful city.”

To view the details of upcoming visits go to visitgeraldton.com.au.

To become part of the cruise ship welcome hub or a cruise ship volunteer email hello@euphorium.com.au.