THE arrival of Dream Cruises’ Explorer Dream in Darwin for the first time over the weekend officially signalled the start of the cruise season in the Top End. The upcoming season is expected to bring more than 64,000 visitors to the region and inject millions of dollars into the NT...
THE arrival of Dream Cruises’ Explorer Dream in Darwin for the first time over the weekend officially signalled the start of the cruise season in the Top End.
The upcoming season is expected to bring more than 64,000 visitors to the region and inject millions of dollars into the NT economy over the next year.
Seventy-six cruise and expeditionary ships are scheduled for the period, with five vessels to port in Darwin on their maiden visits including Carnival Splendor (02 Dec), Boudicca (14 Jan), Queen Elizabeth (17 Mar), and MSC Magnifica (30 Mar).
NT Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture Lauren Moss said the cruise sector was particularly important to the NT because of the timing of the cruise season.
“Crucially, the cruise season runs over the traditionally quieter low season providing a welcome revenue boost for operators and retailers over that period,” Moss said.
“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,” Moss added.
Carrying up to 2,800 passengers, Explorer Dream will follow up her maiden visit by returning in Mar for an overnight stay.
Pictured: Darwin.
