The arrival of the Explorer Dream in Darwin today signals the start of the Top End cruise season which is expected to bring over 64,000 visitors and inject millions into the Territory economy over the next 12 months.

Carrying up to 2,800 passengers, the Explorer Dream is making its maiden visit to Darwin and will return in March for an overnight stay.

Seventy-six cruise and expeditionary ships are scheduled this season, providing a boost to the economy and an opportunity to showcase the Territory to international visitors.

With its tropical climate, Darwin enjoys year-round cruise activity, with larger ships visiting during the main season from October-March, and several small, luxury expedition cruise ships using Darwin as a home-base to explore the remote Northern Australian coastline from April-September.

Four other ships will also port in Darwin on their maiden visits including Carnival Splendor on 2 December 2019, Boudicca on 14 January 2020, Queen Elizabeth on 17 March 2020 and MSC Magnifica on 30 March 2020.

The Coral Adventurer continues to home port in Darwin, providing an important injection into the Territory economy with local businesses providing food and beverage supplies, technical services, fuel and other essential services.

Quotes from Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:

“Cruise ships are an important part of the Top End tourism sector, injecting millions into the economy each year.

“Crucially, the cruise season runs over the traditionally quieter low season providing a welcome revenue boost for operators and retailers over that period.

“Cruise ships stimulate the Territory economy by providing an influx of tourists into our region with passengers and crew undertaking tours, visiting local attractions and shopping at local retail outlets, cafes and restaurants.”

Quotes from Tourism Top End General Manager, Glen Hingley:

“Darwin is a great destination for cruise ship passengers to explore on their stop-over, giving them a small taste of the Top End so that they come back to holiday in the Territory again and for longer.

“With a fantastic harbour facility and proactive tourism industry, Tourism Top End sees the future of cruise ship arrivals into Darwin continuing to be a growing boom for the economy of the Top End.”

Media contact: Lisa Sennett 0436 929 858