Fremantle to welcome first big cruise ship of the 2023/24 season

Fremantle is ready to welcome passengers and crew on the first big cruise ship of the season.

The Coral Princess will dock at Victoria Quay early on Saturday morning, with 2,000 passengers and 900 crew on board.

Upon arrival in the city centre, they will be treated to a Woola Walyalup celebration dance, didgeridoo music and a smoking ceremony by a Nyoongar performance group. 

The performance will be held for the first four transit cruise ships, with a view to extending it for the remainder of the cruise ship season.

The community is welcome to attend the cultural performance, which is a partnership between the City of Fremantle, Tourism WA and Karla Hart Productions.

The City of Fremantle will be providing a range of additional visitor services throughout the cruise season.

Disembarking passengers will be greeted by the friendly faces of the City’s Tourism Ambassadors, dressed in bright blue t-shirts. 

Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said the Tourism Ambassadors perform an important role.

"Our helpful ambassadors are back again to represent our city, share their local knowledge and ensure passengers have a memorable experience in Fremantle.

"With our fantastic heritage attractions like the Fremantle Prison and the Round House, a vibrant art and culture scene and an eclectic mix of shops, bars and restaurants Fremantle has a lot to offer visitors.

The City of Fremantle is also providing a free shuttle bus service to transfer passengers between the Passenger Terminal and Walyalup Koort.

Horizons West is the new transport provider and will be offering an accessible bus service for the first time.

Free brochures, maps and information on tours, attractions and events are available at the Fremantle Visitor Centre, as well as free Wi-Fi, bike hire, luggage storage lockers and a range of locally made souvenirs.

The City’s Crew Friendly brochure includes information on how crew can access special offers on essential supplies and services like groceries, clothes, pharmacies and medical clinics, as well as a guide to local restaurants, bars and visitor attractions.

Businesses wishing to participate in the program can do so by contacting [email protected] with their offer or discount.

"Local businesses certainly receive a boost, not only from the extra trade from passengers and crew but also through the opportunity to resupply the ships. Our hotels also benefit, securing room bookings from people either getting on or off the ships," Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

The cruise industry through Fremantle Port was worth more than $285 million to the WA economy last financial year.