Northern Territory welcomes the Coral Princess on its maiden voyage to Darwin

Ocean cruise liners are commencing their return to the Northern Territory with the Coral Princess cruise ship arriving tomorrow morning delivering a major boost for the tourism and hospitality industry.

The arrival of the Coral Princess marks the recommencement of ocean cruise liners into Territory waters post COVID-19 pandemic, with smaller expedition ships having been allowed back in the Territory since April.

With capacity for 1,970 passengers, the cruise liner will receive a warm Darwin welcome for its maiden visit, which will be celebrated with an official plaque exchange between the ship and Darwin Port.

Coral Princess passengers will be greeted by Tourism Top End visitor information ambassadors, a performance by didgeridoo artist eMDee at the Port, live music in the Mall from 11am-2pm, Larrakia Nation performing Welcome to Country ceremonies at 8.30am, 9am and 10am in Smith Street Mall, and Darwin CBD retailers also offering late trading for passengers.

Visiting Darwin as part of a 28 day round Australia trip, the Coral Princess passengers will have the opportunity to spend a day in Darwin, explore the region through organised tours, shop at Darwin’s retail outlets or dine at hospitality venues.

Large cruise liners provide a financial injection into the Territory’s economy during the low tourist season, with Darwin set to host a total of 37 cruise ships with a combined capacity of 44,130 passengers this season.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, cruise ships generated around $60 million of annual expenditure within the NT.

The Northern Territory Government is committed to increasing the benefits Territorians see from both cruise liners and expedition ships over the next three years.

To view the NT Cruise Tourism Strategy go to tourismnt.com.au/strategies