17 A season of firsts for Kaohsiung Port Kaohsiung Port in Taiwan has celebrated several firsts during the 2024 cruise season. The summer cruise season at Kaohsiung Port began in July 2024 when Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)’s vessel Norwegian Spirit returned to Asia for the first time since a $100 million upgrade was completed onboard in 2021. Earlier in the year, the port, which is one of six main cruise ports in Taiwan, celebrated its first dual calls when NCL’s vessels Norwegian Jewel and Riviera docked on 28 February. A second dual call on 30 July featured Norwegian Spirit and Resorts World Cruises’ The World, marking the first time both homeporting and visiting cruise ships were in port simultaneously. Shore power is heading to Sydney The Port Authority of New South Wales (NSW) is to build Australia’s first cruise ship shore power facility at Sydney’s White Bay Cruise Terminal. Initial work to prepare the site is expected to begin by the end of 2024, with completion of the project scheduled for late 2026. The AU$20 million ($13.8million) contract for the facility at White Bay berth five has been awarded to Powercon. Once operational, it will be mandatory for any shore power enabled ship docking at White Bay to use the facility. According to the port authority, the majority of cruise ships using the terminal are already shore power enabled. “The port authority is focused on progressing the shore power project to our revised delivery date and creating a world-class, integrated, sustainable port of the future that supports our economy, the community and the NSW Government’s vision for the area,” said Philip Holliday, CEO of the Port Authority of NSW. Photo: Carnival Cruise Line Carnival Cruise Line to deploy four ships in Australia Following the addition of two ships from sister line P&O Cruises Australia, Carnival Cruise Line is to expand its range of itineraries sailing from Australia for 2026-2027. After Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter join Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa in March 2025, all four ships will be deployed in Australia. The expanded programme will see Carnival Adventure and Carnival Splendor sail from Sydney, while Carnival Encounter and Carnival Luminosa will sail from Brisbane. MARKETWATCH
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=