More cruise ship tourists to descend on Darwin Port
A first-of-its-kind hybrid cruise ship will be doubling its routes to and from Darwin. Read how it will inject millions into the local economy.
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Luxury cruise line Silversea Cruises will inject millions into the local tourism economy by doubling their number of routes to and from Darwin by 2025.
The ultra-luxury brand made a splash earlier this year when it announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind ship – a hybrid-powered vessel, which uses liquefied natural gas as its primary fuel source enabling the ship to be emissions-free while docked at ports.
Silversea Cruises has replaced their Darwin-Broome routes in favour of Darwin-Darwin voyages to increase opportunities for local tourism, hospitality and accommodation sectors.
“Having Silversea Cruises embarking and disembarking in Darwin doubles the opportunity for pre and post cruise touring,” Tourism Minister Nicole Manison said.
“The changes will deliver additional demand for hotel rooms and flights into the Territory, and see more people visit the regions before and after their cruise.
“This means well-paying jobs for locals right across the Territory.”
“The primary reason we chose round trip voyages from Darwin for 2025 is to optimise our deployment and create a mix of shorter and longer itineraries,” Silversea Cruises Managing Director Adam Radwanski said.
Silversea Cruises, founded in Monaco and owned by the Royal Caribbean Group since 2020, is “elated to showcase the Northern Territory”, according to Mr Radwanski, who oversees the Asia Pacific region.
The new hybrid-powered ship Silver Cloud has a passenger capacity of 296 and will arrive in the Territory on her maiden voyage next June.
Silversea will run its 10-night Kimberley voyage as a round trip from the Northern Territory from 2025.
The cruiseliner will also offer longer voyages from the Territory, such as Darwin-Bali and Darwin-Fiji to attract more international travellers.
The cruise ship industry is a key economic driver in the Top End, generating an estimated $60 million every year.
Visitors can view cruise ship routes and arrivals in Darwin at darwinport.com.au.
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