Mall ‘bustling’ thanks to cruise ship customers

CITY traders enjoyed a rare Sunday boom yesterday as the Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas docked at Stokes Hill Wharf for the first of two days

Passengers of the Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas made for a busy day of trading in Smith St Mall

CITY traders enjoyed a rare Sunday boom yesterday as the Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas docked at Stokes Hill Wharf for the first of two days.

An influx of almost 4000 passengers walked through the Mall, the Waterfront and Casuarina Square as a large portion of mall traders opened, including La Galleria, to maximise on the hit of tourists.

Tourists Marilyn and Konstantine Tiliacos came to Darwin for the first time via the cruise ship and said they were “pleasantly surprised”.

“It’s positive, it’s quite good, nice and clean, and we haven’t seen a lot yet but up to here is very good” Mr Tiliacos said.

“It’s a very good atmosphere and feeling about the town,”

However they thought more businesses ought to make the most of the potential business.

“It’s a shame (the shops) are not all open, we’re trying to buy a compass and they're not open,” Mrs Tiliacos said.

“That’s a bit of a shame and with a cruise ship in, what an opportunity with 3000 people and a lot of the shops are closed. That’s the only negative, otherwise it’s really good.”

However Darwin City Waterfront Retailers Association chairman Elena Gomatos said it had been a strong day of trading ahead of the Dry season.

“I think it was great to see so many people, the city was bustling … I walked down and saw there were a lot of shops and the cafes that were open, and people going through,” she said,

“On days like Sundays it’s difficult but most if not all of the shopfronts bar a couple that open into the mall were all open.”

Coupled with the boutique markets on Friday night, which saw a number of regular stores remain open until 7pm and even 9pm, Ms Gomatos said it had been a successful weekend which she hoped would continue today.

“There has been good energy and I think it’s because everyone’s working together at the same time,” she said.

A spokesman for the cruise ship said the Darwin stop was popular with the passengers and crew.

“Almost all the passengers are getting off the boat to see the sights of Darwin and beyond,” he said.

“Being here for a couple of days has given everyone a good opportunity to take some tours.”

The cruise ship is heading to Singapore.

Department of Tourism, Sport and Culture Chief Executive Simonne Shepherd said cruise ship visits helped provide an economic boost during typically quiet parts of the year.

“Today is a significant win for the tourism industry as we welcome one of the largest cruise ships to ever visit Darwin,” she said.

“It’s always exciting to see such stunning ships in Darwin Harbour. It’s a boost for the tourism industry and for local jobs.”