The Coral Princess has arrived in the Darwin Harbour as part of her 28-day maiden voyage

The Coral Princess is the largest cruise liner to dock in the Darwin Harbour since the pandemic. See the pictures.

The Coral Princess makes herself known by her sheer size.

Touring Australia on a 28-day voyage, the 294m international cruise liner is the largest passenger ship to dock in the Darwin Habour since the Covid pandemic.

The Princess Cruises ship can carry up to 1970 passengers and is one of 37 cruise liners expected to sail through Territory waters this season.

Smaller expedition cruise ships have been allowed back in the NT since April 2022.

Prior to Covid, the NT government estimated the cruising industry generated about $60m expenditure annually for the Territory economy.

Newcastle couple Bob and Jenny Stead hopped off the ship at 8am on Thursday and explored Darwin for the day.

Newcastle couple Bob and Jenny stead spent the day touring Darwin while their cruise ship the Coral Princess moored in the harbour on Thursday. Picture: Floss Adams

The pair are advocates for choosing to cruise for a holiday.

“We’re seeing this beautiful country we’re living in,” Mr Stead said.

“It’s been unbelievable, the staff are unbelievable and I mean it, there’s not enough good words to say in the forum about how good they are.”

The New South Wales couple is completing the full 28-day voyage.

The Northern Territory is set to welcome ocean cruise liners back to Territory waters with the Coral Princess cruise ship arriving in Darwin. Picture: Floss Adams

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Nicole Manison said the Territory was the first Australian jurisdiction to welcome back international expedition ships.

“Cruise liners provide fantastic opportunities for our local retailers, hospitality and tourism businesses, with thousands of extra visitors in town and ready to spend over the traditionally low season,” Ms Manison said.

To view the upcoming cruise ship arrivals to Darwin Port visit darwinport.com.au.