Record cruise season for Darwin

A RECORD-breaking 113 cruise ships have docked at the Darwin Port during the 2024/25 cruise season.

The last large cruise ship of the season, Crown Princess, docked in Darwin on 5 May, bringing almost 3000 passengers to the Top End, taking the total number of passengers to 80,000 for the year.

Tourism minister Marie-Clare Boothby said the cruise industry made a  $181 million contribution to the NT economy and created 527 local jobs.

To keep emphasis on the cruise industry the territory government, in partnership with Tourism Top End, will host the 2025 Northern Territory Cruise Forum on Tuesday, 13 May at the Darwin Port Cruise Ship Terminal.

The forum will aim to connect land and sea activities to attract cruise ships, support local businesses and promote sustainable cruise tourism in the region.

Ms Boothby said the cruise industry provided a welcome boost to local businesses during the off-peak and shoulder season.

“The influx of cruise passengers offers great support for our community, from local tour operators and hospitality venues to retailers and cultural attractions,” said Ms Boothby.

A survey of passengers from 13 ships during the 2024–25 season found 91% were satisfied with their visit to Darwin and the NT, 61% shopped in Darwin city while docked, and more than a third dined at a restaurant.

Darwin continues to grow as Australia’s northern gateway, becoming an increasingly popular stop for cruise ships enroute to South-East Asia, or navigating around Australia and the South Pacific.

While the large cruise ship season has ended, the smaller expedition ship sector exploring more remote sections of the Northern Territory is going strong with 60 expedition ships expected to stop at Darwin between now and the end of the year.

They will bring more than 11,000 passengers to the NT.