Holland America Line's Volendam visited the Hunter in March this year for one day, where many of its 1400 passengers enjoyed day-trips to see the our beaches, King Edward Park and the always-popular wine region.

John Primeau from Holland America Line said last season's circumnavigation of Australia, which took in the Newcastle stop over, was not planned for the coming season.

"Our itineraries do vary year to year," he said.

"In 2010-11 we will visit other ports of call.

"Final plans for the 2011-12 season are still being finalised."

Newcastle Port Corporation spokesman Keith Powell said the company had not booked a visit for this season but negotiations would continue to attract the company's vessels in the future.

"Cruise company itineraries vary all the time," he said.

Mr Powell said there were 14 visits from cruise ships booked between September this year and April next year.

"It's a record number of cruise ships for the season," he said.

A majority of these visits will be from P&O Cruises' luxury liner the Pacific Sun but even its scheduled visits for the 2011 half of the season have been reduced from six to four. It will visit the Hunter five times later this year.

Mr Powell said the upgrade to the channel berth at Dyke Point remained a focus for the port corporation.

"We have spent $2.55 million on refurbishing that berth for home berthing," he said.