Newcastle has been reaffirmed as a leading cruise destination in Australia, according to the 2025–26 Passenger Survey by Cruise Newcastle. Conducted from 19 October 2025 to 31 March 2026, the survey highlights a high visitor satisfaction rate of 4.5 out of 5, reflecting positive experiences with local services, amenities, and the ease of exploring the city.

Nearly 80% of passengers expressed their intention to return to Newcastle and its surroundings, with 62% of respondents being international travellers. The survey also praised the Welcome Volunteers and Visitor Information services, which received the highest ratings among destination touchpoints, showcasing the strength of Newcastle’s community-led visitor welcome programme.

Glenn Caldwell, General Manager of Destination Sydney Surrounds North (DSSN), remarked, “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.”

The Port Authority of NSW has recognised the significant role of cruise volunteers in enhancing visitor experiences by awarding funding to the Newcastle Tourism Industry Group’s Cruise Welcome Volunteer Programme. This initiative aims to bolster wayfinding services and develop new visitor maps for the upcoming cruise season.

Martin Bidgood, General Manager Cruise at Port Authority of NSW, noted, “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.”

The ongoing collaboration through the Newcastle Cruise Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aims to enhance visitor experiences and maximise the benefits of cruise tourism across Newcastle, the Hunter, and Central Coast regions.

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