P&O Cruises' Pacific Pearl has become the first cruise ship to berth at White Bay, as parent company Carnival Australia ensured a smooth transition to the new facility for its passengers.
The transfer to the $57 million White Bay Cruise Terminal follows the State Government's decision to relocate cruise ship operations from Barangaroo to the new site, west of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Tammy Marshall, P&O Cruises' senior vice president, said the cruise line has been cooperating with Sydney Ports Corporation to make the new terminal a "success".
"We have worked to make the change as smooth as possible for our passengers including direct communication advising them of the new arrangements," she said.
"We also want the local community to know of our intention to be a ‘good neighbour'."
Carnival Australia has implemented a series of guidelines to reassure the local community. These include one-day visits, no surprise visits unless an emergency, no planned late arrivals, quiet disembarkation, minimised ship whistle, dimmed lighting and music kept to a minimum when in port.
Meanwhile, Marshall highlighted cruise ship access east of the Harbour Bridge as a ongoing concern, with improvements critical to support cruise industry growth and its economic contribution.
"The next steps to maintain the momentum of growth are the planned upgrade of the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay and the need to confirm long-term access to Garden Island," she said.
Pacific Pearl's sister ship, Pacific Jewel, will dock at White Bay on Friday.
