CABLE BEACH & SUNSET: SURVEY CONFIRMS WHAT CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS LOVE MOST ABOUT BROOME

Written on the 30 June 2017

·         One in three passengers declare Cable Beach the best experience of Broome

·         Shuttle coach drivers and arrival party elevating experience of passengers in Broome

·         Passengers say more shops and market stalls should stay open for the ship

In a survey of cruise ship passengers conducted by Cruise Broome, Cable Beach was declared as the number one experience with one in three (29%) confirming Broome's iconic beach as their favourite part of the visit.  The sunset and races were next in preference at 14% and 12% respectively.

Coach drivers transferring passengers from the Port of Broome to town were the favourite experience for 7% of respondents, pipping Chinatown which was the favourite for 6%. Almost 100% were highly satisfied by the experience offered by the narration and experience offered on the shuttle.

When asked to rank Cruise Broome's arrival party for the passengers at both Chinatown and Cable Beach, 83% were highly satisfied proving the Dampier Terrace drop off trial as worthwhile offering a good first impression of the town and a smooth more efficient drop off point for the coaches.

Through collaboration with Carnival Cruises and Kimberley Ports Authority, Cruise Broome were able to encourage the Pacific Eden to enter port a day earlier than originally planned to allow passengers to attend a race day recently.

Shayne Murray, Cruise Broome Chairman said of the survey results, "The favourite place by far was Cable Beach, followed by sunset and races.  This really indicates the positive impact of coinciding an event with a ship's arrival, and the opportunity to improve a passenger's experience by increasing time in Port to stay overnight.

"The research also reminds us how Cable Beach is truly synonymous to Broome and an area we should focus on to further enhance the passenger experience and encourage all cruise ships to extend their shuttle service accordingly," Said Shayne.

Currently the Pacific Eden is the only ship which includes a shuttle to Cable Beach for passengers following Chinatown, however it's hoped these results will inspire other ships will follow suit.

Despite being in Broome over a weekend when the Courthouse Markets were on, passengers requested that there be more markets, that the shops should be open for longer, and more historical information and indigenous experiences should be offered. Passengers also requested that there be more experiences on offer at Cable Beach.

Jael Napper, CEO Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry said, "I commend Broome Transit in collaboration with Pearl Town Bus Service and Derby Transit for their exceptional service, the drivers delighting passengers with their welcoming nature and narration which offer a valuable glimpse into Broome's uniqueness whilst in transit from the Port to Chinatown and Cable Beach.  Almost 100% said they were highly satisfied with the land transfers which is an extraordinary result.

"While this is a great value-add to the logistics of moving the passengers through the town, the town itself should be the number 1 experience and the feedback on Chinatown is disappointing. We're optimistic that the revitalisation project will address many of the deficits that the town centre currently has to offer passengers and we urge all residents, both community and business, to think of ways that they can help lift the experience of passengers as a collaborative effort."

The Broome Chamber auspiced Cruise Broome following funding arrangements with the Shire of Broome and Kimberley Development Commission, the collaborative funding $38,500 per year over two years.

"We're doing everything in our power to lift the experience of Broome for passengers, and it's incumbent on us to respond to the feedback and leverage the popularity of Cable Beach," Said Jael.

"We welcome all ideas and feedback from the community as to how we can meet and greet passengers within our current capacity, and in doing so offer a personal experience and greater benefit to Broome's local economy."

The next ship in Broome is the Sun Princess with 2,000 passengers on Wednesday 12 July. Cruising down from Darwin, the Sun Princess is currently scheduled to dock around lunch time with a late evening departure.

For further information contact Cruise Broome via coordinator@cruisebroome.com or go to www.cruisebroome.com.