Coral Princess cruise ship cans Geraldton visit this week amid widespread cancellations and uncertainty

One of the three remaining cruise ships set to dock at Geraldton port this year before there are no more visits expected until 2027 has cancelled its planned trip at short notice. The Coral Princess was set to visit Geraldton on Wednesday this week, bringing up to 2000 tourists into the city and boosting the local economy. But on Sunday, Mid West Port Authority CEO Damian Tully confirmed the cruise ship, which was coming down the coast from Broome, had advised it was cancelling its trip three days before it was due to dock. “It is extremely disappointing to hear she has cancelled her visit. She was due to come alongside Berth 3 on Wednesday and is still available to do so,” he said. “We are hopeful that she may re-engage the call.” A Coral Princess representative told MWPA the ship cancelled due to weather impacts due on Thursday, but MWPA said it was monitoring winter surge levels that impact the harbour and the port could still facilitate the ship on Wednesday. It comes after MWPA confirmed 12 cruise ships cancelled their scheduled visits to Geraldton in 2025 and 2026. There are no planned visits until 2027. The widespread cancellations are a result of itinerary changes, withdrawals from Australia and difficulties securing Australian Border Force approvals for international arrivals at regional ports. Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton said the State Government was supporting the local cruise sector and the relevant ministers were in discussions about the situation. “Our Government has been really proud to support our local cruise sector, with $333 million injected into the economy in 2022-23 and more than 1000 jobs supported,” she said. “I am aware that the Minister for Ports David Michael is advocating for FPOE (First Point of Entry) status in Broome and will be in Canberra (this) month, where he will meet with the relevant ministers again, to raise our concerns. “The deputy premier (minister for tourism) is also working with Mr Michael on these matters.” The Coral Princess has another visit to Geraldton scheduled on September 14, this time making its way from Fremantle. Queen Elizabeth is set to visit Geraldton in November, while the Westerdam is planned to visit in December. The Coral Princess will soon be stationed in the northern hemisphere.