Gladstone port cruise terminal to welcome its first vessel

Richard Dinnen - Queensland Editor |

P & O ‘s Pacific Jewel is one of 35 cruise ships that have visited Gladstone since 2016
P & O ‘s Pacific Jewel is one of 35 cruise ships that have visited Gladstone since 2016

Holland America Line’s MS Noordam will become the first vessel to use Gladstone’s recently built cruise terminal.

The 280-metre-long Noordam carries 1900 passengers and 800 crew.

It’s expected in Gladstone on November 14, part of a 21-day circumnavigation of Australia.

Thirty-five cruise ships have visited the central Queensland port since 2016 and the terminal was due to open in 2020, just as the pandemic began to affect the cruise industry.

Queensland’s transport minister, Mark Bailey, said the return of cruising to Gladstone is good news for the region.

“It’s excellent to see the recently completed cruise terminal at Gladstone port put to good use.

“Investments in infrastructure at our publicly owned ports pay dividends in economic benefits to communities.”

The state MP for Gladstone, Glenn Butcher, said measures are in place to protect health as cruising resumes.

“We can assure our community the Queensland, New South Wales, and Victorian governments have worked together, in close partnership with the cruise industry, to support the safe resumption of cruising across the eastern states.

“Since the first cruise ship docked in Gladstone, our city, and particularly East Shores, has undergone a massive transformation.

“That includes the waterfront terminal, water play park, and construction is underway on the new Auckland Hill viewing platform.

“The return of cruise tourists to our shores is a certified boost to the economy.”

Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Limited tourism manager, Nicola Scurr, said there’ll be events for locals and visitors, including the popular Feast on East markets.

“We’d love for the community to come along to view the cruise ship dock, take a wander through our modern markets which is a free event showcasing local art and cuisine.

“We have been working with our local businesses and tourism operators to ensure that every cruise passenger is pleasantly surprised with what’s on offer while they’re here.”