BRISBANE International Cruise Terminal (BICT) has sailed past two million passenger movements, since its opening in Jun 2022 (CW 03 Jun 2022).
P&O – the same line which christened the new BICT – also helped with the latest milestone, with Pacific Encounter’s recent call at the port (pictured).
The ship was the 346th call at BICT, with Port of Brisbane Chief Exec Neil Stephens describing the milestone as “remarkable”.
“Achieving two million passenger movements through our world-class terminal highlights the integral role of the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal to Queensland’s cruise tourism industry,” he said.
“Over the last 12 months, we’ve continued investing to enhance the cruise terminal – expanding on-site car parking, adding more shade to outdoor seating areas and increasing taxi rank capacity.”
The port’s Chief Executive Officer said Brisbane expects to welcome more than 150 cruise calls from 13 different cruise lines in the 2024/25 season, as cruising grows in popularity in the Queensland capital.
“Every time a vessel calls in Brisbane, it contributes around $1 million to the state’s economy, with many of these ships visiting other Queensland ports, supporting valuable opportunities for regional communities,” Stephens declared.
“Every vessel call, around 130 hardworking staff from all our partners – including cruise staff, stevedores, security, border agencies, baggage drop, cafe and retail, cleaning and others, as well as our own port team – are on hand to help ensure passengers enjoy their experience.
“We’re grateful for the ongoing support of our cruise industry partners and Queensland’s cruising community, which is key to the BICT’s success.” MS