Over 3,000 cruise passengers will converge on Darwin tomorrow as the Carnival Splendor makes its inaugural visit to the Top End.
The Carnival Splendor is the newest and largest cruise ship to be homeported year-round in Australia, boasting the length of three football fields and an impressive 14 decks high.
The vessel is on its voyage from Singapore to Sydney and features a waterpark, two spas and a sports deck with mini golf, running track and sports courts.
The maiden voyage of the ship will provide a boost to the economy and an opportunity to showcase the Territory to international visitors.
This season the Top End will welcome 76 cruise and expeditionary ships, carrying over 64,000 passengers to Darwin, providing a huge tourism and economic boost.
Darwin enjoys year-round cruise activity, with larger ships visiting in the main season from October-March and a number of small, luxury expedition cruise ships using Darwin as a home-base to explore the remote Northern Australian coastline from April-September.
As stated by Member for Port Darwin, Paul Kirby MLA:
“We welcome the Carnival Splendor to Darwin for the first time. This is an exciting opportunity to give its passengers a taste of what the Top End has to offer, encouraging them to return and holiday in the Territory for longer.
“The inclusion of Darwin on cruise ship itineraries supports local jobs and stimulates the Territory economy by providing an influx of tourists into our region with passengers and crew undertaking tours, visiting local attractions and shopping at local retail outlets, cafes and restaurants.”
As stated by General Manager Port Development, Darwin Port, Peter Dummett:
“Darwin Port welcomes the Carnival Splendor into Darwin Harbour.
“We are proud to facilitate the cruise tourism economy and the important economic benefits it has for the Top End.”
