Cruise Ship handling
Another facet to Burnt Pine Travel’s operations is cruise ship handling. As Ground Operators and Tour Coordinators for Carnival and other cruise lines, we are the first point of call.
Destination Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island has an experienced and exceptional tourism industry being that it is the Island’s major industry. Historically the primary tourism industry has been from Airline services from Australia and New Zealand. Of more recent years there has been a growth in Cruise ship calls to Norfolk. We are an emerging destination on the international cruise program. Regularly finding ourselves at the top of passenger surveys following a visit. The Island is embracing the Cruise industry enthusiastically and thus working towards growing the industry.
When P&O pioneered cruising from Australia in 1932, the first cruise to Brisbane and Norfolk Island sold out in just one day! Although Norfolk’s history of cruising stretches that far back, it wasn’t until recently that the Norfolk cruise market received a kick start with Norfolk Island being added as a destination to select cruise itineraries.
There are deep anchorages close to shore and disembarkation is via ship tenders. Norfolk Island has 2 piers that serve as landing places for cruise ships. One of these piers received a 15 Million dollar extension this year. This was to the primary pier at Cascade on the Northern side of the Island. On the Island’s Southern side at Kingston, is the Island’s second pier, nestled amongst the historic convict penal settlement. Utilised regularly, the Kingston pier serves as a ready backup. Both piers provide easy access for disembarking tenders with concrete steps down to the high-water mark.
The Piers have no structural coverings or facilities. However, we set up a series of 9m x 4m marquees with seating, signage and passenger control barricades. This ensures a safe and efficient transition from the tender to shuttles and tour departures.
The Logistics
The Burnt Pine Travel cruise ship handling team manage Pier set up and facilities on Norfolk Island. We also look after transit buses to the town, a 10-15 minute drive from either pier. Our experienced team provide a friendly, professional and knowledgeable first impression for the guests as they step onto the pier and are moved to the transit area.
Furthermore Norfolk Island’s investment in the cruise industry received another boost as the Federal Government commissioned new passenger tenders. Construction is complete with Norfolk Island taking delivery of the vessels in July 2019. Use of these tenders will make disembarkation easier for visiting cruise ships by removing any risk to their tenders. These tenders are operated by Islanders who are familiar with the piers & local conditions. The tenders serviced their first cruise ship in October 2019 with the arrival of P & O’s Pacific Explorer and were key to the successful landing of passengers.
Although Norfolk’s involvement with the modern cruise industry is relatively new, we have catered for various ships from small expedition vessels of 150-200 passengers requiring inclusive touring such as beachside lunches and bushwalking, to high end vessels of 600-700 passengers seeking a more pampered experience such as Seabourn and Regent lines to the larger 1600-1900 passenger vessels looking for 1200-1400 tour spots in the day.
Click here for more information on activities available on Norfolk Island for visiting cruise ships. If you’re after a list of cruise ships that are scheduled to call into Norfolk Island check out our cruise ship calendar.
More information
If you’d like some more information about our cruise ship handling facilities, please use the contact form below.
