Welcome signs as cruise season draws near for southern WA

For the third season in a row the Crown Princess, capable of accommodating over 3,500 passengers, will open the season when it visits Albany on 16 October.

Its visit will be followed by the Coral Geographer arriving two weeks later for an overnight stay, arriving on Wednesday 28 October before departing Thursday evening.

Southern Ports Chief Executive Officer Keith Wilks said hosting a vessel and its passengers overnight would provide a boost for local businesses and the regional economy.

“We often talk about cruise visitors wanting to come back for more after having a brief opportunity to sample our regions, but the passengers aboard the Coral Geographer will be in for a real treat during their stay in Albany,” Mr Wilks said.

“There is so much to pack into a visit to the Great Southern that we’re sure their stay will leave a lasting impression and we’d love to welcome more multi-day visits to the port.”

In total 15 cruise visits are scheduled to Albany and Esperance between mid-October and early April.

The Noordam will be the only other visit before the end of 2026, ahead of more frequent visits in early 2027 – including the Port of Esperance’s two scheduled cruise visits in January.

The newly unveiled cultural welcome sign that will greet cruise passengers at the Port of Albany

The more the 17,000 passengers expected to visit the Great Southern across 13 visits will be greeted by recently unveiled cultural welcome sign designed by Merningar artist Shandell Cummings.

The sign was funded by the Cook Labor Government in partnership with Southern Ports and Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation.

“It is so important to welcome people to our boodja, and this sign is representative of a welcoming from the whole Menang community inviting visitors into Menang country,” Ms Cummings said.

“To be a part of creating this as a Traditional Owner and a local First Nation’s artist is a privilege.”

Hon Samantha Rowe MLC, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Tourism, Trade and Investment said the artwork creates a meaningful and lasting cultural welcome for the region’s growing number of cruise visitors.

The Crown Princess will be the first cruise vessel to visit the Port of Albany this season.

"Cruise tourism continues to play an important role in the Cook Labor Government’s diversification of Western Australia’s economy by driving visitation to regional destinations like Albany, which is one of our State’s premier cruise ports.

“Passengers arriving at Princess Royal Harbour through King George Sound get an early glimpse of the beauty of the Great Southern, and Shandell’s artwork enhances this experience by providing a culturally rich welcome that reflects the importance of Aboriginal storytelling in WA’s tourism identity.

“The Cook Labor Government is committed to supporting Western Australia’s rapidly growing cruise sector through initiatives like this artwork that give cruise passengers new ways to experience the region’s culture, hospitality and natural beauty as soon as they step through the Port’s gates, creating memorable experiences and encouraging return visitation.”

Mr Wilks said providing an improved passenger experience that created a stronger link between the Port of Albany and the wider region was a great outcome of the partnership.

“What Shandell has created will be a truly special introduction to Albany and the wider region for the thousands of cruise passengers coming through our port gates,” Mr Wilks said.

According to an economic impact assessment by the Australian Cruise Association and Cruise Lines International Association Australasia, the 2024-25 cruise season contributed $6.5m to the Albany economy.

Merningar artist Shandell Cummings and Southern Ports Acting General Manager - Great Southern Paul Mackey in front of the Port of Albany cultural welcome sign based on Shandell's artwork.