Scandinavian cruise company Viking headed for Newcastle

As the Scandinavian cruise company prepares to make its debut docking in Australia, the Port Of Newcastle is reviewing tenders for the construction of the $12.7 million Newcastle Cruise Terminal, slated for completion in late 2018. 

 Viking Cruises spokesperson Liz Sawers said cruise shipping in Newcastle injected around $11 million into the local economy and more than 900 Viking guests would spend about 12 hours in and around the city. 

A unique feature of the ship is the Snow Grotto, a glass enclosed room filled with snow and part of a Nordic-inspired hot-cold spa treatment.