The Glenelg Shire is getting ready to welcome a familiar friend back into local waters this week with the return of a popular cruise ship.


NCL Bahamas Ltd’s Norwegian Sun will dock into Portland on Sunday, welcoming more than 2500 passengers and crew to shore.


This will be the third visit for the Norwegian Sun this Summer, with stopovers just as recently in late December 2024 and mid-January 2025.


Glenelg Shire Mayor Karen Stephens said the Norwegian Sun will not be the last cruise vessel for the Shire this year, with another cruise ship visit scheduled for May from Oceania Cruises’ Insignia.


“As we are in the thick of cruise ship visits, the return of the Norwegian Sun for a third time is a wonderful milestone and a great way to mark this year’s unique and successful season,” she said.


“The Norwegian Sun has quickly become a community favourite, not just for its impressive size, but also for the colourful artwork that makes it a true sight to behold as it docks into our port.


“These visits not only bring thousands of visitors to our shores but also contribute significantly to the local economy. We are proud to showcase the very best that Portland and the Glenelg Shire, has to offer and we look forward to more opportunities for our businesses and tourism sector to thrive.”


The Norwegian Sun’s visit to Portland will mark the start of the cruise’s 15-day itinerary around Australia and New Zealand.


The ship departs from Melbourne, visiting sites such as Kangaroo Island, Hobart, Milford Sound, Dunedin and Wellington before finishing in Auckland.


The cruise ship is scheduled to arrive in Portland at 7am and stay until 4pm.


As part of the day visit, shuttle buses will transport cruise ship passengers visitors into the CBD retail precinct and across the local area, promoting key tourism destinations.


For up-to-date cruise ship scheduling information please visit the Port of Portland website.