A report commissioned by Carnival Australia suggests total spend by the cruise industry in Sydney will reach $1.3 AUS billion by the 2019/2020 season, with cruise-related employment jumping from 3,150 to 10,000.

The report was put together by Deloitte Access Economics and explained that the industry (crew, operators, passengers) spent $400 AUS million in Sydney during the 2010/2011 season.

The study predicts 36 percent growth this season, followed by 50 percent in 202/2013 and 13 percent in 2013/2014, and a projected annualized growth rate of 5 to 7 percent.

Sydney Ports is scheduled to berth some 33 cruise ships in 29 days in February, showcasing the growth of the market.

The boom in traffic is also stressing the port’s facilities, prompting officials to expand berthing options for ships.

This season will see 214 ship visits, up from 150 in 2010/2011.

Current terminals are the Overseas Passenger Terminal located at Circular Quay and a temporary terminal at east Darling Harbor, the Barangaroo 5 Cruise Passenger Terminal.

The new cruise passenger terminal at White Bay 5 with ancillary berthing at White Bay 4 is under construction and will replace the Barangaroo facility. The new berthing options will primarily be used for turnarounds.

Currently, Sydney can take two ships, but when plans are complete in 2013, three ships will be able to berth.