Cruising along to a record season

CAIRNS will share in the spoils as Australia prepares for a record-breaking cruise ship season.

More than 40 multimilliondollar vessels are heading Down Under from October 1 to April 30 next year.

Six vessels will be making their maiden voyages to Cairns, including the 77,000tonne Sun Princess, arriving on October 23.

Ports North chairman Russell Beer said Cairns would host 75 cruise ships from October 1 until the end of next year.

“We have unprecedented numbers for next year, with at least 60 vessels coming into Trinity Inlet,” he said.

“This builds on a fantastic 2016 and we still have cruise ships visits to come.”

In January, Trinity Inlet will welcome “the youngest and most luxurious” cruise ship to visit Australia.

Launched in March this year, Seabourn Encore is coming to Cairns on Australia Day after a naming ceremony in Singapore.

The following month, Azamara Journey and Pacific Princess also will make their inaugural visits to the Far North.

Docking at Trinity Inlet in March are Bahamian vessel Magellan and Oceania Cruises’ Sirena.

“We have long anticipated this increased interest in cruise ship arrivals in Far North Queensland,” Mr Beer said. “We have an award-winning cruise liner terminal, a tropical wonderland for visitors to explore and a port that can harbour vessels right next to city.

Between October 1 last year and April 30, 2016, 38 cruise ships either visited or were based in Australian waters.

Cruise Lines International Association Australasia commercial director Brett Jardine said cruise tourism was worth about $3.6 billion to the national economy.

“Anyone wanting evidence of the continuing rapid growth of the cruise industry in Australia just needs to look at the horizon this summer,” Mr Jardine said.

“There is going to be a constant procession of ships visiting our ports, carrying hundreds of thousands of Australians and international tourists on great value and relaxing holidays.”