-
Posted by David Sexton
- |
-
31 March, 2026
THE ARRIVAL of the home-ported Carnival Luminosa last December was a highlight of the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal’s just ended summer cruise season.
The season, which lasted from 1 October 2025 until 30 March 2026, included 101 cruise ship calls and five maiden visits.
The season also marked a major milestone for the terminal, celebrating its 500th cruise ship call when the home-ported Carnival Luminosa arrived on Sunday 14 December.
About 519,300 passenger movements were recorded over the six-month period, including embarkation, disembarkation and transit passengers.
The terminal’s busiest month this season was in December, with 22 cruise ship visits.
Port of Brisbane chief executive Neil Stephens said the “strong summer season” reinforced Brisbane’s growing importance as a cruise gateway.
“Welcoming over 100 cruise ship calls in six months highlights the strength of Queensland’s cruise market and Brisbane’s position as one of Australia’s leading cruise hubs,” Mr Stephens said.
“These are calls taking passengers to tourism destinations along Queensland’s coast and southern states as well as Pacific destinations including New Zealand, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea.
“Queensland is the country’s second largest cruise market and the BICT is central to this, supporting cruise activity and the economic benefits it brings to regional ports and communities along our state’s coastline.”
Mr Stephens said each cruise ship call at BICT contributed an estimated $1.05 million in economic benefit to Queensland, while supporting local jobs.
He expressed gratitude for the ongoing support of cruise line customers, particularly foundation partner Carnival Australia.
“Operating the BICT is a genuine team effort, and we want to recognise and thank everyone – from our Port of Brisbane team to all our cruise partners – who plays a role in delivering a safe, efficient and welcoming experience at the BICT,” Mr Stephens said.
BICT summer season highlights included:
- 101 cruise ship calls including 5 maiden visits.
- A total of 139 cruise ships anticipated during the full 2025/26 cruise season (1 October 2025 - 30 September 2026).
- 22 cruise ships called during the BICT’s busiest month in December.
- About 519,300 passenger movements through the BICT.
- The BICT’s busiest day was in January when 7,855 passengers moved through the terminal (embark and disembark).
- 500th ship call since opening in June 2022 was recorded on 14 December with the Carnival Luminosa.
