CRUISE ship Pacific Sun will be based in Fremantle in a move that is expected to generate good business and tourism for Fremantle.
Carrying 1900 passengers, the 47,000-tonne ship will offer a season of summer cruises from Fremantle in December 2009, returning for another season later in 2010.
Mayor Peter Tagliaferri said it was a positive step for tourism and the cruise industry in Fremantle.
“The economic impact of cruise ship visits on Fremantle is significant and the basing of a cruise ship at the port is a major boost for the local economy,” he said.
“Fremantle Ports have invested a significant amount of money improving the passenger terminal.
“The City of Fremantle is working closely with Fremantle Ports and Tourism WA to maximise the benefits from these visits.”
Mr Tagliaferri said the city would provide a shuttle service using trams to give easy access to Fremantle for passengers.
“Discussions have also taken place with cruise ship operators to get Fremantle packages sold on the ships prior to them coming into port which will increase the number of passengers coming into the city,” he said.
“Consideration is also being given to the improvement in signage directing people to the city centre.
“These developments are ongoing and we are working towards making Fremantle a preferred destination for cruise ships.”
Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer Peter Nolin said the Pacific Sun would bring international visitors to Fremantle.
“We want to get people to stay and look around Fremantle and not just see it as a stop-off place before going somewhere else,” he said.
“We are trying to develop a package so that people see Fremantle as a place to visit.”
Ann Sherry, Chief Executive Officer of Carnival Australia, which owns P&O Cruises, said cruises from Western Australia had been very popular in recent years.