Cruise ships boost Cairns economy with thousands of visitors

Some of the biggest cruise ships will cast their shadows over Cairns City during the coming months in a welcome boost to tourism. Read what you can expect to see docking here.

Cairns is back on full cruise control with a stream of floating hotels set to dock over the coming months.

The massive Carnival Splendor docked on Thursday for eight hours with some saying it was “heaven” to be back on board after more than two years at home.

The Carinval Spelndor is the fifth cruise ship to visit Cairns this month, with more than 12,000 passengers expected from 12 vessels during October. There will 18 ships in November and 16 in December.

Dwarfed by the massive cruise ship which weighs 113,573 tonnes, is 290m long, can carry up to 3734 passengers with a crew of up to 1150, visitors wearing lanyards identifying them as passengers from the Carnival Splendor could be seen enjoying shops, cafes and restaurants around town and beyond.

A group of friends travelling on the ship said they were very pleased that the boat appeared to not be too crowded with passengers.

The Carnival Splendor docked at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal with thousands of tourists coming ashore and heading out on day trips around the region. Picture: Brendan Radke

Garry Saunders, his wife, Kathleen, and son, Brenton, live in Sydney, while Pam and Phillip Cochrane live on the NSW Central Coast, and all said it was “wonderful” to be back cruising.

Mrs Cochrane said she had really missed life on board due to the pandemic halting holiday travel.

She said she preferred holidays afloat.

The Carnival Splendor docked at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal with thousands of tourists coming ashore and heading out on day trips around the region. Garry and Kathleen Saunders, Pam Cochrane, Phillip Cochrane and Brenton Saunders were keen to see what attractions Cairns had to offer. Picture: Brendan Radke

“It’s heaven to be back on a cruise shop,” she said.

“I love it.”

Mrs Cochrane said she thought that the boat was perhaps not operating at total passenger capacity.

“This cruise we have not had to queue long for dinner,” she said.

“Or really queue up for any of the activities on board.”

Mr Saunders said he didn’t know how many passengers were on board, but said that it was easier than usual to get around the ship which measures nearly a third of a kilometre long.

“You don't have to fight for food,” he said.

“It’s nice and relaxed.”

The friends said they enjoyed visiting Cairns for the first time, despite only being in port from 9am to 6pm meant they didn't get to see everything they wanted.

“Cairns is really nice,” Mrs Saunders said.”

“And we went up to Kuranda Village.

“I like Cairns, it’s interesting.”

The Carnival Splendor arrived in Cairns from Airlie Beach and docked at Port Douglas on Friday.

According to the Ports North cruise ship schedule, November is predicted to be a bumper month with visitor numbers predicted to be more than double October’s with potentially around 27,000 plus thousands of crew, who will also no doubt be keen to come ashore and relax.

December could deliver a Christmas bonus to Cairns with 16 cruise ships expected to bring up to 28,000 passengers, plus thousands of crew enjoying the delights the FNQ capital city has to offer.

Originally published as Cruise ships boost Cairns economy with thousands of visitors