The Northern Territory is set to welcome ocean cruise liners back to Territory waters with the Coral Princess cruise ship arriving tomorrow morning, a major boost for our tourism and hospitality industry.
With capacity for 1,970 passengers, the cruise liner will receive a warm Darwin welcome for its maiden visit, which will be celebrated with an official plaque exchange between the ship and Darwin Port.
Coral Princess passengers will be greeted by Tourism Top End visitor information ambassadors, a performance by didgeridoo artist eMDee at the Port, live music in the Mall from 11am-2pm, Larrakia Nation performing Welcome to Country ceremonies at 8.30am, 9am and 10am in Smith Street Mall, and Darwin CBD retailers also offering late trading for passengers.
The arrival of the Coral Princess marks the recommencement of ocean cruise liners into Territory waters post COVID-19 pandemic, with smaller expedition ships allowed back in the Territory since April.
Visiting Darwin as part of a 28 day round Australia trip, the Coral Princess passengers will have the opportunity to spend a day in our vibrant capital city, explore the region through organised tours, shop at Darwin’s retail outlets or dine at our hospitality venues.
Large cruise liners provide a financial injection into the Territory’s economy during our low tourist season, with Darwin set to host a total of 37 cruise ships with a combined capacity of 44,130 passengers this season.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, cruise ships generated around $60 million of annual expenditure within the NT.
The Northern Territory Government is committed to increasing the benefits Territorians see from both cruise liners and expedition ships over the next 3 years.
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, Nicole Manison:
“We are excited to welcome cruise liners back into Territory waters and are looking forward to the arrival of the passengers and crew on board the Coral Princess for her maiden voyage to Territory waters.
Cruise liners provide fantastic opportunities for our local retailers, hospitality and tourism businesses, with thousands of extra visitors in town and ready to spend over the traditionally low season.
The Territory was the first Australian jurisdiction to welcome back international expedition ships in April 2022 and we are delighted to now also welcome back these larger ships which provide a boost to local businesses and provide ongoing jobs for Territorians.”
Vision Opps:
Thursday 20 October from 6.10am – Stokes Hill Wharf – view of the Coral Princess arrival/water cannon for maiden voyage
Thursday 20 October from 8pm – Stokes Hill Wharf or Jervois Park (near Deckchair Cinema) -view of the Coral Princess with lights on/ leaving NT waters
Northern Territory Government
