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Posted by Daily Cargo News
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03 Sep, 2026
CRUISE passenger sentiment in Newcastle remained strong through the 2025-26 season, with new survey data pointing to high satisfaction levels and a strong likelihood of return visits.
Cruise Newcastle’s 2025 - 26 Passenger Survey Report, conducted between 19 October 2025 and 31 March 2026, found the overall visitor experience was rated 4.5 out of 5. The result reflects consistently positive feedback on local services, amenities and the ease of navigating the city.
Nearly 80% of passengers surveyed said they would return to Newcastle and surrounds. That result is notable given 62% of respondents were international travellers.
Among the strongest-rated touchpoints were the city’s Welcome Volunteers and Visitor Information services, which received the highest scores across the destination experience.
Glenn Caldwell, general manager of Destination Sydney Surrounds North (DSSN), said the findings reinforced Newcastle’s standing as a cruise destination with a strong local welcome and accessible visitor offering.
“Passenger feedback from the 2025-26 season confirms that Newcastle is an exceptional cruise destination with a welcoming community, walkable city centre, and diverse regional experiences,” Mr Caldwell said.
“As we prepare for the upcoming cruise season, these insights help us strengthen the visitor experience and ensure we continue delivering world-class hospitality to international and domestic guests.”
The survey results also point to the operational value of the volunteer program, with Cruise Welcome Volunteers helping shape first impressions for thousands of passengers each year.
Port Authority of New South Wales has recently backed that effort through its Community Grants program, awarding funding to the Newcastle Tourism Industry Group’s Cruise Welcome Volunteer Program. The funding is intended to support wayfinding services and the development of new visitor maps ahead of the next cruise season.
Port Authority of New South Wales general manager cruise Martin Bidgood said the survey highlighted the contribution local people make to the passenger experience.
“What stands out in these results is the impact local people are having on the visitor experience,” Mr Bidgood said.
“The Cruise Welcome Volunteers play a vital role in providing passengers with information to make the most of their visit to our region, and create genuine connections that passengers remember long after they leave.”
Mr Bidgood said the work being carried out with DSSN was also aimed at broadening the region’s appeal to cruise passengers.
“Together with DSSN, Port Authority is proud to support local businesses and communities from the Hunter to the Central Coast to develop new and exciting experiences for cruise passengers,” he said.
“By helping local businesses create compelling experiences for cruise passengers, we’re strengthening the region’s appeal as a cruise destination.”
The work sits alongside the Newcastle Cruise Memorandum of Understanding, which brings together Port Authority, regional tourism organisations including DSSN and the Newcastle Tourism Industry Group, and seven local councils. The agreement is intended to improve visitor experiences and lift the economic benefits of cruise tourism across Newcastle, the Hunter and the Central Coast.
