Celebrity Edge cruise ship arrives in the Hunter

CRUISE ship Celebrity Edge (IMO 9812705) made its maiden voyage to Newcastle on the weekend, with more than 4000 eager passengers on board.

According to the New South Wales Port Authority, the 306-metre vessel was the longest cruise ship to visit this season.

PANSW chief executive John McKenna said the arrival of Celebrity Edge meant more tourists could experience the region’s offerings.

“From wine tasting in the Hunter Valley, to getting up close with Australian wildlife on the Central Coast and Port Stephens, this visit showcases why the region is a must-visit on Australia’s cruise map,” he said.

“Cruise visitation is a key driver of regional recovery and growth, and the passengers and crew aboard the Celebrity Edge will make a significant contribution.”

The visit came as the Port of Newcastle announced 10 recipients for its $100,000 community grants.

Port executive manager corporate affairs Lucas Coleman said they were thrilled to support the Hunter Melanoma Foundation (HMF) via a $20,000 donation.

The port’s 2025 Your Port, Our Community funding is expected to continue to support HMF’s Spot Check program.

The 2025 grant recipients were:

• Cerebral Palsy Alliance, to fund the fit-out of the accessible gym at their new Hunter Disability Centre in Beresfield.
• Hunter Melanoma Foundation, to fund the delivery of free Skin Check Clinics and sun safety awareness in the Hunter.
• Home in Place, to run its ‘Curious Minds’ STEM workshops at schools in Newcastle, Cessnock, Dubbo, and Broken Hill.
• St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, to go towards restocking emergency staples at their Maitland and Newcastle hubs, providing direct client assistance through food and fuel vouchers, and supplying Christmas hampers to struggling families.
• Moree & District Historical Society Inc., to purchase a portable defibrillator for the Moree Plains Museum.
• Cancer Patients Foundation, to enable an additional 100 people in the Hunter New England Health District undergoing cancer treatment.
• Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation, to provide free lawn care for people undergoing breast cancer treatment.
• Country Universities Centre (CUC) North West, to deliver career pathway programs using virtual reality technology that encourage students to explore career opportunities and tertiary education.
• Marine Rescue Lemon Tree Passage, to install public boating and water safety signage at their emergency services hub.
• Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT, to fund children’s essential therapies, adaptive equipment and wigs in the Newcastle region.

The program has provided more than $1.1 million in grant funding since its introduction in 2014.