Carnival Australia chief executive Ann Sherry said the decision to deploy the liner in Newcastle for another season would contribute up to $3 million to the Hunter economy through passenger and crew spending, port fees and ship stores.

"Pacific Sun's Newcastle season in February and March 2011 will bring more than 20,000 passengers and crew to the city in just two months," Ms Sherry said.

Newcastle's inclusion as a cruise destination was a sign of P&O Cruises confidence in the region to become a long-term cruising hub, Ms Sherry said.

"There are people in the Hunter who want to go cruising," Ms Sherry said. "We're making it easy for them, we're bringing cruising to them.

"Bookings for Pacific Sun's inaugural cruise season from Newcastle have been solid. We anticipate sales will

grow even further as more travellers realise the convenience of cruising from their own doorstep."

The Pacific Sun will sail her inaugural cruise season from Newcastle in September and October 2010.

See tomorrow's Herald for more details.