The pair are the latest in a long line of cruise ships that have graced Newcastle.

In recent years, the Hunter has established itself as a regular stop for the floating palaces.

Star Cruises’ Norwegian Star made its final visit to Newcastle in 2000, a year after this paper reported Sydney Olympic patrons could land in Newcastle ahead of the sporting spectacle.

In recent years, Newcastle has become the doorway to the Hunter for travellers arriving by sea – but less than a decade ago, ships were lingering in Port Stephens rather than berthing in Newcastle itself.

While Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth is due to arrive this season, the Celebrity Solstice retains the honour of being the region’s biggest visitor to date. 

The ship’s first visit in 2014 was one for the ages,  as the Herald reported at the time, 

Then lord mayor Jeff McCloy donned his robes to welcome passengers into the region as onlookers flocked to the harbour’s edge. 

‘‘It was bloody amazing,’’ Mr McCloy said at the time.

‘‘I couldn’t believe the amount of locals along the foreshore who came out to welcome the ship in, and I couldn’t believe the reception we got from the passengers.

‘‘I think I posed for about 300 photos with [passengers]. They were really delighted with the reception we gave them.

“I met people from all over the world who said they never got that sort of reception in Brisbane or in Sydney.’’

The warm welcome worked – Celebrity Solstice returned to the Hunter in March.

The list of visitors is expected to expand again between now and May, when 11 vessels are scheduled to bring almost 20,000 visitors to the city.

What are your best memories of cruise ships in the Hunter?