Crown Princess welcomed as new cruise season kicks off

A special Welcome to Country greeted passengers disembarking from the Crown Princess this morning, marking the start of the Port of Albany cruise season.

Performances by the Mooditch Nop Dance Group, led by traditional owner Lindsay Dean, welcomed the 3,000 passengers as they made their way from the ship to awaiting buses to explore the region.

Southern Ports Regional Manager – Albany Paul McSweeney said every cruise season was an exciting opportunity to showcase the Great Southern region.

“Albany is a premier cruise destination and we’re pleased to be able to welcome cruise ships to our historic port which sits within such a rich natural landscape,” said Mr McSweeney. 

“We’re expecting a big cruising season across our southern regions with sixteen cruise vessels of all sizes set to visit Albany, and another seven across Esperance and Bunbury.” 

Welcoming in the cruise season with an Aboriginal dance experience is one way Southern Ports is encouraging visitors to acknowledge the Traditional Owners in the areas it operates.

That recognition will soon be celebrated further through a Southern Ports and Tourism WA partnership that will commission an Aboriginal artwork to be placed as a welcome piece prominently at the port. 

“There is a deep lasting connection between the Menang people and the Port of Albany’s land and waters,” Mr McSweeney said.

“We are calling for local Aboriginal artists to create a large-scale art piece that will welcome visitors and encourage them to learn and reflect on the history of the area during their time here.”

The cruise industry generated a record $385 million for the WA economy in 2023-24 and is expected to bring more than 200,000 passengers to the state in 2024-25.

The expression of interest period to create the cultural welcoming artwork is open until Wednesday, with the completed artwork expected to be installed by mid-2025.

For more information on the cruise season at the Port of Albany visit southernports.com.au