Cruise Industry Breaks Records with Passenger Growth

This year marks an exciting milestone for the cruise industry with a record 99 ships expected into the Port of Cairns, including four new cruise liners, delivering a significant economic boost to the region.

Ports North General Manager of Strategy, Paul Doyle said he was delighted to welcome close to 4,000 passengers and crew to Cairns today on Carnival Splendour and Silver Muse, saying it reflected the Far North’s growing reputation as a premier destination for travellers.

“By the end of February, we will have already seen a 22 per cent increase in passenger and crew arrivals in Cairns totalling 30,000 visitors in the first two months of this year. This growth reflects the continued growth in visitation in response to our region’s appeal,” Mr Doyle said.

‘‘With 99 cruise ships scheduled to arrive this year, 2025 is shaping up as a bumper year for cruise visitation bringing an influx of visitors and significantly boosting the local economy.

“Cairns is continuing to strengthen its place as a world-class destination for travellers and Ports North continues to work proactively with TTNQ and the tourism industry across our region to ensure we continue to be a choice for cruise operators and travellers alike,” Mr Doyle said.

Among newcomers to the Cairns cruise scene this year will be four new cruise liners - Aamadea, Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sun, Nautica operated by Oceania Cruises and Seven Seas Voyager, all arriving in Cairns over the coming months.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said there had been a 40 per cent increase in the economic value of cruise ships visiting Cairns, Port Douglas and Yorkeys Knob in 2023-24.

“Economic data gathered by the Australian Cruise Association shows the 231,517 passenger days and 29,682 crew in 2023-24 generated a $213.7 million boost to the economy,” he said.

“Smaller ports in Tropical North Queensland also receive a tourism boost with 10 cruise ship days in Cooktown, seven at Lizard Island and 12 at Thursday Island last financial year.

“The cruise market is a much-needed addition to our summer shoulder season bringing in strong visitor numbers for operators working in that market.

“These figures should continue to grow according to cruise line representatives attending the TTNQ Cruise Conference in May 2024.

“We are planning for a 2025 TTNQ Cruise Conference later this year to connect industry specialists from cruise lines and ground handling companies with local tourism products in Tropical North Queensland.

“It is an excellent opportunity to showcase the region to the cruise industry and help new tourism product enter the cruise sector.

“TTNQ enjoys a strong partnership with Ports North and we have worked together to develop new retail opportunities at the port and have volunteers on hand to distribute advice and maps featuring local experiences to passengers as they disembark.”

Ensuring a world-class visitor experience remains the top priority for the Ports of Cairns and TTNQ. Following a competitive tender process, Mainie and Boho Coco Gifts have both recently opened retail outlets in Cruise Liner Terminal.

“These new retail outlets provide disembarking passengers with the opportunity to shop for locally crafted art and handmade goods, providing an authentic taste of the region’s creativity and culture, right on the port’s doorstep,” Mr Doyle said.

Ros Bates, Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment said the State Government is excited by the growth in the tourism and port sectors in Far North Queensland.

“The long-term future of cruise into Far North Queensland is very bright and ensuring we continue to roll out the welcome mat for the Cruise Industry that contributes over $5 billion annually in Australia and supports over 18,000 jobs remains one of our priorities."