Sea Princess in Broome Saturday; Cruise Broome confirms 2 extra ships in 2017

Written on the 6 September 2016

Broome is gaining traction within the cruise ship industry as a key port in the future of the Australian cruise market, with Cruise Broome announcing 2 additional calls in 2017.

The announcement follows the WA Cruise Exchange, attended by representatives from Cruise Broome and the Kimberley Ports Authority who were invited to pitch Broome as a future destination for cruise liners.
Cruise Broome Chairman Shayne Murray said, "I'm pleased to say that the Exchange was a huge success for Broome, with feedback scores from Broome cruise ship passengers for the 15/16 season increasing to 85%, a large marginal rise from 57% satisfaction for the 14/15 season."

Attending companies and agents at the Exchange acknowledged the shift in Broome's reception to the industry with Cruise Broome and the Port being proactive on issues affecting cruise ships coming to the destination.

"Cruise and Maritime gave us a good hearing after saying that they would not come back to Broome after an unsuccessful visit in the past. Cruise Broome will keep feeding updates and continue presenting opportunities in the hope of this company visiting Broome again," Said Shayne.

Cruise Broome were able to secure further commitment from liners, including Carnival who expressed interest in progressing calls to Broome and are keen to introduce new product and experiences to their itinerary especially cultural product.

Shayne said, "Royal Caribbean were very keen to return to Broome and acknowledged Broome as a key and strategic port in their Australian cruise program. Currently Cruise Broome and the Kimberley Port Authority are preparing a report to present early in September to Royal Caribbean to assist in overcoming challenges that they have had in the past with visiting Broome.

"By feedback from stakeholders, we exceeded expectations in re-establishing relationships with major international cruise ship companies and agents, with a special thank you to CEO of Kimberley Ports Kevin Shellack for his support, knowledge and commitment to see Broome as a major port of call for international cruise ships," Said Shayne.

Cruise Broome was formed by the Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry to take ownership of Broome's aspirations of becoming a tier 1 destination by 2020.  Its representatives include the Kimberley Ports Authority, Broome Tourism Leadership Group, Chamber of Commerce and private industry.  Since being appointed Chairman Shayne Murray, whose business Broome Transit is a key stakeholder in the on-ground logistics of cruise ship passengers, has been appointed to the strategy review committee for Tourism WA's cruise division.

Four months in from the formation of Cruise Broome, Shayne admits the group still has a long way to go to meet  its targets, but is optimistic that Broome is now making ground.

Next Cruise Ship calls are September 10 Sea Princess and September 14 Dawn Princess with approx. 2000 passengers each ship.

The schedule for ships coming to Broome port in 2017 is now available HERE.