CARNIVAL Cruise Line’s Carnival Luminosa has docked in Townsville during its maiden visit to the port ahead of what is expected to be a busy summer season.
More than 2000 passengers and crew arrived aboard the 294-metre cruise ship, with the majority of guests from Korea, Japan and China.
Townsville Enterprise director of visitor economy Lisa Woolfe said a last-minute schedule change did not stop the community from delivering their customary welcome.
“Townsville always turns it on for its cruise visitors, whether it be 12-months or hours' notice,” Ms Woolfe said.
Cruise volunteers welcomed visitors as they disembarked the ship to market stalls and entertainment in the terminal, as buses transferred passengers to The Strand.
The arrival of Carnival Luminosa boosted local businesses with an estimated value of half a million dollars in one day.
Ms Woolfe said the maiden arrival was a testament to the port expansion, which has allowed large ships into Townsville.
This summer is to mark Carnival Luminosa’s fourth consecutive season sailing from Queensland, with 70,000 guests expected to travel across 25 voyages throughout the season.
Port of Townsville general manager business development Drew Penny said Carnival Luminosa’s arrival from Brisbane complemented the region’s growing appeal as a cruise destination.
“This maiden call reflects the growing demand for cruise ships in Queensland’s waters and creates opportunities for more frequent visits to northern ports like the Port of Townsville,” Mr Penny said.
“It’s an exciting time for our city as we continue to welcome more cruise ships and showcase everything North Queensland has to offer.”
Japan, China and Korea are viewed as crucial for cruise tourism as the major visitor markets and key partners in the Australian tourism industry.
Twenty-five cruise ships from 13 cruise lines are expected to visit Townsville between July 2025 and April 2026.