OREANDA-NEWS. September 28, 2016. Carnival Australia today welcomed the NSW Government's announcement of a multi-user cruise terminal in Newcastle to support cruise tourism in the Hunter region.

Speaking in Newcastle, Sture Myrmell, President of P&O Cruises, one of Carnival Australia's seven iconic cruise brands, said the announcement was good news for the people of Newcastle.

"It reinforces the great reputation the people of Newcastle have earned over the years for the warmth of their welcome for the thousands of cruise visitors to the region," Mr Myrmell said.

"This local investment in port infrastructure acknowledges the Hunter region's attractiveness as a cruise destination, with its ease of access to the surrounding wine growing district and other quality attractions.

"It also acknowledges cruise tourism's local economic contribution as the industry continues to record double-digit growth in passenger numbers in Australia with domestic itineraries and short break cruises among the big growth areas in this market."

Mr Myrmell said Carnival Australia and its home brand line P&O Cruises in particular were proud of the part they had played over the years in pioneering cruising to and from Newcastle.

P&O Cruises also purchased large quantities of Hunter region wine for use on the line's five ship fleet with nearly 100,000 bottles each year across a variety of iconic labels and wine types.

Ships from a number of Carnival Australia brands had visited Newcastle including the spectacular maiden visit earlier this year of Cunard Line's Queen Elizabeth.

"The new multiple-use cruise terminal will be an excellent local asset to support and encourage cruise ship calls to Newcastle," Mr Myrmell said.