Port of Sydney celebrates millionth cruise ship passenger

The Port of Sydney is celebrating the arrival of its one-millionth cruise ship passenger, but port management says that number might have been reached sooner if it had a second, longer berth.

Bernadette MacNeil, manager of marketing and development, said in a community desperate for economic good news she is turning away cruise ships.

"Here's a real story," she said. "Four days ago a call from Royal Caribbean wanting to book their ship and she's 330 metres and we can't accommodate that length here on the dock."

European boost

MacNeil said with a second berth the CBRM could grow its cruise ship opportunities.

"The European market is becoming huge for us. If you look at our cruise ship schedule you'll see more and more every year."

She said cruise ship companies do not like anchoring in the harbour and tendering passengers ashore.

"It's an inconvenience to their guests," she said. "It takes away from their valuable shore time."

The CBRM has applied to the Build Canada fund to construct a second berth and carry out repairs on the existing Government Wharf.

'I love the violin'

It has also allocated $6.67 million toward the project and is talking to the province about cost-sharing.

Following the one-millionth passenger celebration, Mayor Cecil Clarke told reporters, "Getting ready for the celebration, the first thing I thought about today was the importance of the second berth and what it means to get to our two-millionth cruise ship passenger sooner."

Clarke said he is hoping to have a commitment from the Build Canada fund by the end of summer so work can begin.

Meanwhile, one-millionth passenger Lucille Whalen, from Port St. Lucie, Fla., said she's thrilled with the honour.

"We have come here in the past," she said. "And we love coming here. I love the violin and we're booked. We'll be back next year."