Cruise ship arrives

The Caledonian Sky.

The first of five cruise ships has arrived in Geelong marking the start of a record number of visits in a single season, according to new mayor Darryn Lyons.

“The Caledonian Sky will be the first of five cruise ship visits to Geelong between now and March,” he said.

“Five ship visits in one season is a clear sign that Geelong is becoming firmly established on international cruise ship calendar,” said Cr Lyons.

The Caledonian Sky carries 114 passengers. It will allow Geelong passengers to embark from tenders.

The 450 passenger Seabourn Odyssey will visit Geelong on 23 January, returning for a second visit on 25 February.

The 450 passenger Seabourn Sojourn will visit on 14 February and the Amadea, with a passenger capacity of 600, will moor in Corio Bay on 3 March.

The City has been lobbying for funding to build a new Yarra Street Pier to establish a public pier with the capacity to berth ships.

“Given the obvious interest in Geelong as a cruise ship destination it’s clear we need the infrastructure to build the cruise ship industry,” said Cr Lyons.