The Northern Territory's cruise ship sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, as highlighted in the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and Australia Cruise Association's annual report, The Value of Cruise Tourism here. The Territory recorded a remarkable $181 million in total economic output and supported 527 jobs, largely driven by Darwin's role as the primary cruise hub.
The report also reflects a national resurgence in cruise tourism, with Australia's total economic output reaching $8.4 billion in 2023-24, a 49.7% increase compared to the previous year. This growth has been fuelled by increased passenger and crew expenditures, as well as greater cruise line spending, following the pandemic recovery.
In the 2023-24 season, the Northern Territory welcomed a record 131 cruise ship visits, with 118 of those visiting in Darwin. Regional locations such as Yirrkala, Bathurst Island, and Melville Island also hosted cruise ships, contributing to the largest cruise season on record for the Territory. The upcoming 2024-25 season is expected to surpass this, with 127 cruise calls already scheduled for Darwin alone.
Nationally, the number of cruise ships visiting Australian ports increased by 27.1%, with 75 ships operating across the country. Darwin Port continues to play a strategic role as a gateway for international cruise ships, with 13 maiden calls scheduled for the 2024-25 season, further establishing the Northern Territory's growing appeal as a key cruise destination.
In preparation for these record-breaking seasons, the Northern Territory's Cruise Working Group, chaired by Tourism NT, is working to ensure a warm and memorable welcome for cruise passengers. The group, which meets quarterly to implement actions from the NT Cruise Tourism Strategy, has introduced a range of onshore experiences, including passenger welcome ambassadors, live music in Darwin's mall, shuttle buses, and retail window decals.
The next major arrival, the Queen Elizabeth, is set to dock in Darwin on 26 October as part of its circumnavigation of Australia. The ship will carry up to 2,068 passengers and 900 crew members, visiting Darwin from Cairns before departing for Bali.
