One week of Cruise Tourism injects $4.1 million into Darwin local economy

Eight cruise ships carrying over 10,000 passengers and crew visit Darwin Harbour last week, directly injecting $4.1 million into the local tourism, hospitality and retail economy.

The cruise ship industry is expected to inject $65 million to the Territory’s economy during the 2023-24 cruise season, creating jobs and supporting local tour operators, retailers and the hospitality industry.

Last Monday, Darwin welcomed a trilogy of luxury cruise ships including the Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn and Oceania Cruises Insignia, with the three luxury liners bringing over 1,500 passengers to shop, dine and explore.

Wednesday saw the arrival of the Queen Mary 2, sailing in to Darwin Port in the early hours with 2,392 passengers and 1,243 crew.

Tourism Top End ambassadors greeted the Queen Mary 2 passengers at the Darwin Cruise terminal providing key touring options to make the most of their day in Darwin ranging from trips to Litchfield National Park, Darwin city tours, military history tours, jumping crocs and tours of Darwin harbour itself.

On Friday morning Darwin welcomed another large cruise ship, the Coral Princess that arrived with 1970 passengers and 895 crew. With another ship, Silver Shadow already docked at Fort Hill Wharf the Coral Princess docked at East Arm Wharf with her passengers shuttled by bus to the Darwin CBD.

Tourism NT, the Darwin Retailers Association and the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade’s Small Business Champions have been providing support to local businesses in Darwin City to ensure the influx of valuable cruise passengers received a great welcome to Darwin.

NT Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Joel Bowden noted “Tourists are saying a visit to Darwin is a must-do trip, and the cruise industry is listening.

“Darwin has welcomed 10,000 cruise passengers and crew in just one week, injecting a $4.1 million economic boost directly to local shops, restaurants, and tour and transport operators in the Top End.

“The Territory’s cruise industry is going from strength to strength, yielding an estimated $65 million this 2023-24 season, creating jobs for Territorians and supporting our tourism, hospitality and retail businesses.

Image. Luxury cruise ship Seabourn Odyssey at Darwin Harbour’s Fort Hill Wharf. Credit: Tourism NT