Luxury cruise liner Quantum of Seas arrived in Darwin Harbour for the very first time this morning on its 12-day cruise from Singapore to Brisbane where she will homeport for the Australian season.
Up to 5,500 passengers and crew disembarked the ship to participate in tours around Darwin and further afield to some of our stunning national parks.
The ship arrived from Lombok, Indonesia this morning and will head onto Yorkey's Knob in Queensland this afternoon. Passengers and crew are expected spend around $2 million during their one-day stopover in Darwin, reinforcing the massive economic contribution cruise tourism makes in the NT.
From crocodile jumping tours, viewing Darwin Street Art Festival murals, learning about Darwin's role during WWII at the Defence of Darwin Experience, to exploring the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards at the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT, visitors will spend the day immersing themselves in the Northern Territory and enjoying the Darwin's warm hospitality.
Several onshore experiences have been activated for the ship's maiden arrival, including Tourism Top End ambassadors welcoming passengers on shore, live music in the mall, shuttle buses and decals for retail windows.
There are also several options for those passengers looking for something more adventurous including croc cruises, harbour cruises, jet ski tours, and visits to Litchfield National Park, the Territory Wildlife Park and Darwin Aviation Museum.
The recent Cruise Lines International Association's, State of the Cruise Industry report here suggests the NT cruise industry contributed $181 million in total output and supported 527 jobs across the NT.
127 ships will call into Darwin alone this season, from 42 different cruise and expedition companies. Darwin Port continues to serve as a strategic gateway for international cruise ships, with 13 maiden calls scheduled for the upcoming season, highlighting the Territory's growing appeal as a key cruise destination.
Tourism NT, in consultation with the Northern Territory tourism industry, is working to capitalise on the growth of the cruise sector through the Northern Territory Cruise Tourism Strategy 2022 - 2025 here.
Quotes attributable to CEO, Tourism and Hospitality, Suzana Bishop:
"We're thrilled to welcome passengers from the Quantum of the Seas to our stunning Top End today. The arrival of such a large ship reinforces our position as a desired cruising destination, which is not surprising, given we have such a rich military history, unparalleled Aboriginal cultural experiences and magnificent natural wonders."
"The cruise industry delivers benefits to local businesses, supports job creation and opportunities to showcase the Territory's unique attractions to domestic and international travellers."
Quotes attributable to CEO, Darwin Port, Peter Dummett:
"Darwin Port is thrilled to welcome Quantum of the Seas. Along with her sister ship the Ovation of the Seas which visited in 2017, they are the largest cruise vessels to ever berth in Darwin. This arrival emphasises Darwin's growing prominence as a premier destination for world-class cruise liners."
"Having ships of this size and calibre docking in Darwin is a fantastic milestone for our port and the Northern Territory. It highlights Darwin's strategic appeal as a key destination in the region, capable of hosting some of the world's largest and most luxurious cruise vessels. We are committed to delivering exceptional port facilities and a seamless experience for our visitors and cruise partners."
"Darwin Port continues to invest in infrastructure and services to support the growing demand from the international cruise industry, reinforcing its position as a major gateway in Northern Australia."
