The Darwin cruise ship season begins on Sunday 16 October with the ‘Celebrity Solstice’ docking at Fort Hill Wharf at approximately 8:00am.
Minister for Tourism and Culture Lauren Moss said the start of the cruise ship season would bring a welcome boost to the economy during the off-peak season.
“This is an exciting time for the tourism, business and hospitality in the Top End and I welcome all of the visitors that land on our shores over the next few months,” Ms Moss said.
“Cruise ship passengers spent an estimated record of $16 million in 2015-16, with the major beneficiaries being our Darwin CBD and Waterfront precincts as well as local tour operators.
“Almost half of all cruise ship visits this season arrive in Darwin on Saturdays, Sundays or Public Holidays, so I strongly encourage retailers, tour operators, cafes and restaurants to open their doors to take advantage of the economic boost these visits could bring.”
Darwin is expecting 45 cruise ship visits in 2016-17, one more than last year, with the Celebrity Solstice being one of the largest cruise ships to visit carrying 2627 passengers and 1262 crew.
“The cruise season runs from October through to April so I look forward to seeing plenty more of these impressive ships in the harbour,” Ms Moss said.
The Celebrity Solstice will be docked at Fort Hill Wharf from approximately 8.00am to 8.00pm on Sunday.
SOURCE: Lauren Moss, Minister for Tourism and Culture