Two thousand passengers will disembark and another 2000 will board P&O Cruises' luxury liner, Pacific Sun, at Dyke Point.

Minister for Hunter Jodi McKay said yesterday the $2.55 million refurbishment had been completed on time and budget.

The ship will arrive on Wednesday and 2000 passengers will end a short two-night trip from Sydney and another 2000 will set sail in the afternoon for a 10-day South Pacific cruise.

It will be the first of several cruises planned while Pacific Sun calls the Port of Newcastle home for the next two years.

"I feel passionately about the diversification of the port and the increase in tourism and associated business because each cruise ship brings in more than $500,000 in economic generation into the Hunter," Ms McKay said.

"Wednesday is going to be a big day and the passengers have certainly been made aware of that.

"We are encouraging everyone that wants to have a look at the ship to use public transport and get to the vantage points at the Harbour Foreshore, Horseshoe Beach and Stockton."

Ms McKay said the state government was working closely with Newcastle Port Corporation and other levels of government to find a permanent berth for cruise ships in the harbour.