Industry cruising back into business
THE pandemic-ravaged cruise industry has buoyed by the return of expeditions in and out of the Top End, with hopes it could draw hundreds of tourists back into the Northern Territory.
The Silver Explorer on Saturday arrived in Darwin Harbour for its maiden voyage on Sunday.
It will cast off on a series of expeditions between the NT and Western Australia on Sunday, carrying up to 144 guests.
The Silver Explorer will conduct both 10-day Darwin-Broome and 17-day Darwin-Fremantle trips in coming months. Overall, it will do five trips between now and the end of the Dry in September.
Operator Silversea’s Asia-Pacific managing director Adam Radwanski said the new trips marked an important milestone in the recovery of the cruise industry.
“Silversea’s inaugural sailing from Darwin is a special moment for me, both personally and professionally, as it is also the first sailing in more than two years in Australian waters,” Mr Radwanski said.
“The Kimberley region is among the most treasured in the world and we are thrilled to offer Silversea’s unparalleled signature ultra-luxury expedition experience to our valued guests.”
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Nicole Manison said she hoped the cruise industry could rebuild back to its prepandemic status, when it “generated $60m of annual expenditure within the NT”.
“We know cruise passengers spend at local businesses including retail outlets, cafes and restaurants, while enjoying tourism experiences that showcase the Territory,” Ms Manison said.
“There are 40 expedition ship visits scheduled for Darwin between now and 30 September, across four companies, using seven vessels.
“The Northern Territory was the first jurisdiction in Australia to welcome back international expedition vessels and we are delighted to host Silver Explorer and her guests.”
Covid-19 outbreaks aboard cruise vessels caused the industry to be one of the first to be closed by governments across Australia in 2020.