Below you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about White Bay Cruise Terminal and your cruise experience.


Getting there

  • White Bay Cruise Terminal (WBCT) is located at James Craig Rd, Rozelle NSW 2039.

    Important notice: road access on cruise ship days is only available via The Crescent / James Craig Road and NOT by Robert Street in Balmain. These is also no access to the terminal on Grafton Street.

  • Road
    To reduce the impact of traffic on our neighbours, public vehicle access to White Bay Cruise Terminal on cruise ship days is only available via The Crescent/James Craig Road and NOT by Robert Street in Balmain.

    Drivers must enter James Craig Road via The Crescent and follow the signs to the terminal. Ignore GPS directions suggesting Robert Street, as access will be denied at the Robert Street gates, and you will be redirected to The Crescent.

    Download this map for directions to White Bay Cruise Terminal on cruise ship days.

    Map for directions to White Bay Cruise Terminal
    Download

    Pedestrians and cyclists can access the terminal via the Robert Street gate on both cruise ship and non-cruise ship days. There is no access to the terminal via Grafton Street.

    Taxis
    Pick-up and drop-off areas are located directly outside the cruise terminal.

    On cruise ship days, inform your driver that access to White Bay Cruise Terminal (WBCT) is only via James Craig Road from The Crescent. Robert Street in Balmain is not an entry point and drivers attempting to use it will be redirected.

  • Taxi
    The taxi rank is located directly outside the cruise terminal. Staff will be available to guide you.

    Coach/bus airport transfers
    Ground staff will guide you to your pick-up point.

    Limousine/private car pick up
    If you have booked a limousine or private car, it will meet you outside the front of the terminal. Ensure you have the company’s contact details and ask them to call you upon arrival.

    Advise your driver that access to White Bay Cruise Terminal is only via James Craig Road from The Crescent. Robert Street in Balmain is not an entry point, and drivers attempting to use it will be redirected.

  • Pick up and drop off
    The passenger drop-off area is located directly outside the cruise terminal and is accessible for private pick-ups and drop-offs throughout the day.  

    To minimise congestion and ensure the precinct operates safely and efficiently, please limit your stop to no more than two minutes. Due to security restrictions, you may not leave your vehicle, and this area is strictly for collecting or dropping off passengers only.

    White Bay Cruise Terminal Car Park
    There is no long-term parking available at White Bay Cruise Terminal. The car park is designated for short-stay pick-ups only. To minimise congestion and ensure the precinct operates safely and efficiently, vehicles may park for a maximum of 15 minutes.

Arriving and departing

  • You can check in online. If you haven’t checked in online, your cruise company should have provided you with a check-in time. Drop off your bags at the bag drop. Be sure to arrive at White Bay Cruise Terminal at least an hour before you are set to depart.

  • You will need to walk through a metal detector, and your belongings will be scanned by x-ray. Place your mobile phone, laptops, tablets, and any other large or small metal objects, including coins, in your carry-on luggage.  

    If you have artificial devices, such as hip or knee replacements or pacemakers, inform the security staff as you approach.   

    The security personnel will ensure the process is as smooth and convenient as possible.

  • White Bay Cruise Terminal has an elevated gangway for boarding ships.

  • Sydney Destination Ambassadors will be available to all arrivals to provide local information as needed. There is a cafe in the terminal. 

  • The terminal prioritises safety, health, and hygiene processes and procedures; however, masks are not currently mandatory within cruise terminals in NSW.  

    For more information about COVID safety on cruises, please contact your cruise provider or NSW Health.

Things to bring

  • Obtain a note from your doctor and contact your cruise line for guidance.

  • You must not bring anything prohibited, illegal, or otherwise dangerous. If in doubt, contact the cruise line or refer to the Australian Border Force website.

  • Check with your cruise line before bringing the following items to ensure they are permitted:

    • Alcohol
    • Non-alcoholic drinks, including water
    • Power boards or extension leads
    • Heating elements, such as kettles or irons 
    • Knives or multi tools
    • Fishing equipment
    • Sports equipment
    • Drones

Facilities at White Bay Cruise Terminal

  • Long-term parking is not available at or near White Bay Cruise Terminal.

  • Luggage storage facilities are not available at or near White Bay Cruise Terminal.

  • Ensure you know when your cruise line plans to open bag drop, which typically starts around 09:00 and continues until an hour before the ship's departure.

  • Inform the cruise company in advance if you require wheelchair access. They will arrange wheelchair-assisted entry and escort through the terminal and during boarding.

  • Family and friends are welcome to share in your excitement and wave farewell from the arrivals area of White Bay Cruise Terminal or the patio area of the café. However, they will not be able to go beyond the check-in area of the terminal building or on board the ship.

Customs and immigration

  • Just like at an airport, you’ll need government-issued identification. A passport is ideal, but for domestic cruises, an Australian driver’s licence or equivalent is required.

  • The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) is available immediately after you clear Customs and Immigration. Remember to bring a printed receipt of your purchase.