The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has authorised an agreement between the Port of Brisbane and Carnival Australia to develop a $158 million cruise terminal.
The agreement is subject to two conditions which promote competition and choice for cruisers.
Carnival Australia owns seven leading cruise brands which includes Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises Australia, P&O Cruises World Cruising, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line and Seabourn.
Under the first condition, Carnival Australia will get the choice of four berthing days per week and the ACCC has ruled that the corporation cannot book more than two of the three ‘weekend’ days (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) in any given week.
The second condition of the agreement is that Carnival Australia cannot be given first right of refusal on its choice days if the terminal is expanded.
“While we understand the important benefits a dedicated cruise ship terminal would bring to Brisbane, we have concerns that parts of the agreement between the Port of Brisbane and Carnival would limit consumer choice and entrench Carnival as the dominant cruise operator in Brisbane for 15 years. That’s why we have approved this agreement with two conditions,” said ACCC Commissioner Roger Featherston.
