The anticipation of cruise ships in Albany
Following the complex management of the COVID-19 mandates and the cancellation of the cruise industry in Albany and worldwide – it is understandable that our regional small tourist businesses were highly anticipating the return of the cruise industry to our shores. These business ambassadors put their necks on the line in the business they have chosen to operate, in order to showcase the region and were looking forward to the much-needed revenue from the influx of cruise ship visitors that were due to arrive over the past month.
In recent discussions with the Southern Ports Authority, it was established that Albany wind patterns are most favourable for cruise ship dockings in the early morning when the winds are lower. However, both the ‘Coral Princess’ and ‘Noordam’ cruise ships were scheduled for afternoon dockings, which ultimately led to the cruise ships decision not to dock.
Our Southern Coast weather conditions are known to be unpredictable, but we can use this information to increase the likelihood of cruise ships docking. There is an opportunity to open discussions with the big cruise operators and carriers to dock at times when the winds and tides are more likely to be favourable. This would increase the likelihood of passengers disembarking, and for our tour operators and other small businesses to benefit from the influx of visitors.
We can work with cruise operators to bring the ships in and ensure they plan and keep to their scheduled docking times, notwithstanding other factors that may come into play. We can also work with the cruise operators and booking agents to ensure that booking processes are fair and equitable to all involved in hosting visitors.
In the event of cancellations, as a community, we can choose to rally behind our tour operators and other small businesses who have spent many hours of preparation and purchased additional supplies by becoming tourists in our own town for the day. This would reduce the impact of a complete loss of revenue. Businesses could implement alert systems to notify residents of additional products or services on offer, and together we can support local.
It is important that we work towards a solution where the overall impact of a cruise ship cancellation is shared amongst the affected businesses, cruise operators and carriers, in the same way that positive impacts are also shared when cruise ships berth our shores.
The Chamber will be in contact with all stakeholders concerned to open a conversation, and work towards equitable solutions.
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