Cruise ships lining up to visit our port
TOWNSVILLE’S cruise ship industry is continuing to smash records and attract new liners to the city.
Latest data reveals a significant increase in the number of cruise liners that have visited Townsville, from four ships in 2016, nine ships in 2017 to a record 18 ships this year.
Townsville Port CEO Ranee Crosby said 2018 was a recording- setting year for the city’s cruise industry.
“The Cruise Committee has a strong and engaging strategy to develop cruise attraction long term,” she said. “We have ongoing and very positive conversation with major cruise lines.”
Ms Crosby said throughout and on completion of the Channel Upgrade Project the Townsville Port would see larger ships able to visit the city.
“We have 11 ships currently booked for 2019, nine in 2020 and four in 2021,” she said. “Some of the smaller ships that currently visit the city are exiting the market in future years, being replaced by larger vessels.
“This is why widening the channel is so important, and now that it is going ahead we can welcome the larger cruise ships. We have already received the first larger ship booking – Crystal Serenity, measuring 250m – in 2021. We expect to be seeing plenty more larger ships bookings.”
Townsville Enterprise CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said this year the region welcomed about 22,000 passengers and crew from a variety of demographics and locations across the world, including Hong Kong, Auckland and Beijing.
This year was a significant one in the cruise ship industry, with the city accepting its first partial turnaround, which gave the community the opportunity to start their cruise holiday from Townsville.
“The partial turnaround was an exciting landmark day for our region and the next step to securing home porting in Townsville,” she said. “Home porting delivers hotel room nights, more passengers on planes, food and fuel supplies for the cruise ships.
“This year’s partial turnaround was the result of a collaborative process between all members of the White and Grey Ship Attraction Committee and was a major coup for our region.”
Ms O’Callaghan said Townsville Enterprise was a key stakeholder in the White and Grey Ship Attraction Committee, attended the Australian Cruise Association National Conference annually and regularly worked directly with the cruise companies and Inbound Tour Operators to attract ships to the port.
“Townsville Enterprise also works closely with our region’s tourism operators to ensure their products are tailored to meet the needs of cruise passengers,” she said.
“Together with members of the White and Grey Ship Attraction Committee we will continue to advocate for and attract more cruise ships for the Townsville North Queensland region.”