An ultra-luxury Expedition ship, Seabourn Pursuit has been welcomed back to its home port of Darwin following its inaugural voyage between Darwin and Broome last month.
Built for immersive and adventure travel experiences the ship has capacity for 264 passengers in addition to a 24 person expert expedition crew. Home porting enables cruise passengers to explore a little further afield and tour Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks and Arnhem Land.
This is a significant milestone for the Territory's cruise industry with the addition of another ultra-luxury expedition route from Broome to Darwin bringing high net worth passengers who will undertake pre and post cruise touring across the Territory.
Turnaround passengers will also spend more in the NT given their extended stay and today's arriving passengers will be a welcome boost for local tourism, retail and hospitality operators with the next cruise to depart on 22 July.
The cruise ship industry is expected to inject a total of $65 million to the Territory's economy in 2023-24, creating jobs and supporting local tour operators, retailers and the hospitality industry.
A total of 103 cruise and expedition ships are expected to visit Darwin throughout the 2023-24 season, with a total passenger capacity of 60,000 people - making it the Territory largest cruise ship season yet and contributing a massive $65 million into our economy.
Seabourn Pursuit will depart Darwin in August before returning to homeport in Darwin again for the 2025 cruise season. Darwin is also home port to luxury expedition ship Silver Cloud from June up to the end of August 2024.
To view the upcoming cruise ship arrivals to Darwin Port visit darwinport.com.au or to learn more about the cruise market and view the NT Cruise Tourism Strategy go to tourismnt.com.au/strategies
Quotes from Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Joel Bowden:
"The Lawler Labor Government is thrilled to welcome Seabourn Pursuit back to Darwin today, their entrance to the Territory's cruise tourism market will mean more visitors to the Top End who will tour the NT before and after their expedition, increasing demand and bookings for our hospitality, retail and accommodation sectors.
"This is a great outcome with cruise passengers here to dine in our cafes and restaurants, shop at local retailers and of course book tours. It's also good news for local businesses that service the cruise sector.
"Darwin and the Top End of the NT has so much to offer whether its our authentic Aboriginal culture, military history or checking out our unique flora and fauna, the NT has something for everyone."
Quotes to attribute to Seabourn President Natalya Leahy:
"We are so pleased to be visiting Darwin as part of Seabourn Pursuit's Kimberley season in Australia. Our entry into Darwin earlier this month marked Seabourn Pursuit's first time in Australian waters and a milestone moment for our Kimberley season, which will entail a series of 10-day voyages between the ports of Darwin and Broome.
"The ship will visit some of the world's more remote destinations and otherworldly landscapes along the way. We look forward to connecting our guests with once-in-a-lifetime experiences as they embark on an expedition voyage through the region's most spectacular sights, guided by our expert team through rich nature and cultural experiences that will enrich their travels".
