THE BRISBANE International Cruise Terminal (BICT) has reached a milestone of two million passenger movements since it opened in June 2022.

The two millionth passenger movement was achieved on 18 January while Pacific Encounter was in port, the 346th cruise ship to call at the terminal.

Port of Brisbane CEO, Neil Stephens, said it was a remarkable achievement in the two and a half years since the terminal opened.

“Achieving 2 million passenger movements through our world-class terminal highlights the integral role of the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal to Queensland’s cruise tourism industry,” said Mr Stephens.

“Over the last 12 months, we’ve continued investing to enhance the cruise terminal – expanding onsite car parking, adding more shade to outdoor seating areas and increasing taxi rank capacity.

“We know cruising continues to grow in popularity and in Brisbane, we expect to welcome over 150 cruise calls from 13 different cruise lines during the 2024/25 season, which runs from 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025.”

Mr Stephens said each cruise ship visiting Brisbane contributes approximately $1 million to the Queensland economy, with many of these ships also visiting other Queensland ports.

“Every vessel call, around 130 hardworking staff from all our partners – including cruise staff, stevedores, security, border agencies, baggage drop, café and retail, cleaning and others, as well as our own port team – are on hand to help ensure passengers enjoy their experience at the BICT,” Mr Stephens said.

“We’re grateful for the ongoing support of our cruise industry partners and Queensland’s cruising community, which is key to the BICT’s success.”

Carnival Corporation & plc senior vice president and country manager, Peter Little said, “Carnival’s long-term partnership with the world-class Brisbane International Cruise Terminal has helped in the success of Queensland’s growing cruise industry”.

“As Carnival Cruise Line prepares for an exciting expansion in March, when Pacific Encounter joins the CCL fleet as Carnival Encounter, we can’t wait to continue to deliver our guests unforgettable holidays from Brisbane, all year round.”

The $177-million BICT was completed in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, and was forced to wait up to two years to open.