Cruise Newcastle has released results from its 2025–26 Passenger Survey, revealing exceptionally strong visitor satisfaction and reaffirming the region’s position as one of Australia’s most welcoming cruise destinations.
The survey was conducted between 19 October 2025 and 31 March 2026 and highlights consistently positive passenger sentiment, with overall visitor experience rated 4.5 out of 5, reflecting high satisfaction with local services, amenities, and the ease of exploring the city.
Almost 80% of passengers said they would return to Newcastle and Surrounds, a notable result given that 62% of respondents were international travellers.
Newcastle’s Welcome Volunteers and Visitor Information services received the highest ratings of all destination touchpoints, underscoring the strength of Newcastle’s community-led visitor welcome program.
Glenn Caldwell, General Manager, Destination Sydney Surrounds North (DSSN), said, “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, adding, “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.”
He said that with passengers consistently recognising the city’s welcoming atmosphere and local hospitality, the survey results show that one of Newcastle’s greatest assets is its people, with Cruise Welcome Volunteers helping create a positive first impression for thousands of visitors each year.
In recognition of the important role cruise volunteers play in shaping the visitor experience, Port Authority of NSW recently awarded funding through its Community Grants program to the Newcastle Tourism Industry Group’s Cruise Welcome Volunteer Program, helping strengthen the volunteer-led initiative to deliver essential wayfinding services and create new visitor maps for the upcoming cruise season.
Port Authority of NSW General Manager Cruise Martin Bidgood said, “What stands out in these results is the impact local people are having on the visitor experience adding that 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.”
He added, “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” and “By helping local businesses create compelling experiences for cruise passengers, we’re strengthening the region’s appeal as a cruise destination.”
He said that this work follows the landmark Newcastle Cruise Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which brings together Port Authority, regional tourism organisations including DSSN and the Newcastle Tourism Industry Group, and seven local councils to enhance visitor experiences and maximise the benefits of cruise tourism across Newcastle, the Hunter, and Central Coast.
By: John Alwyn-Jones – © 2026.
Read Time: 4 minutes
Author Bio:
John Alwyn-Jones is one of those rare figures who can make the business of travel sound positively adventurous.
A lifelong communicator with the polish of a broadcaster and the curiosity of a journalist, he’s spent decades shaping stories and strategies across tourism, aviation, and the cruise world. He’s led from the front as CEO, director, mentor, and advisor, and still brings warmth and wit to every boardroom and microphone.
Known for his sharp insight into global cruise lines and destinations, John has an old-school belief in professionalism, tempered with the sparkle of someone who’s genuinely seen the world. He’s not just in the business of travel; he’s made it an art form.
