Darwin embraces strong season ahead

DARWIN is gearing up to receive a total of 75 cruise ship visits this summer season, with the cruise sector injecting approximately $87.6 million annually into the city’s economy.

Highlights of the season so far have included the arrival of Viking Orion for the first time, docking in Darwin last Tue, and a visit from Seabourn Encore on the weekend which unloaded 630 passengers.

Darwin will also soon host one of the largest cruise ships to visit Australia when the 4,000-passenger Explorer of the Seas arrives in Apr.

Commenting on the strong season ahead, the Northern Territory Government said it was working to grow the number of cruise ships visiting Darwin in the future, with a framework to achieve this put forward in its NT Cruise Sector Activation Plan 2015-2020.

“The Territory Labor Government continues to work with Darwin City and Waterfront Retailers Association and Tourism Top End to provide a Territory welcome to visitors throughout the cruise ship season,” said NT Minister for Tourism and Culture Lauren Moss.

“It’s always exciting to see such stunning ships in Darwin Harbour. It’s a boost for the tourism industry,” she added.

The Government said that Darwin’s close proximity to Asia made it especially appealing for both larger cruise ships and small luxury vessels.

Pictured: The Darwin-bound Explorer of the Seas.