Welcome CBD retail boost for Darwin as Queen Mary 2 drops by

DARWIN city retailers have received a much-needed economic boost after the arrival of one of the world’s biggest cruise ships and its more than 2400 passengers

CITY retailers have received a much-needed economic boost after the arrival of one of the world’s biggest cruise ships and its more than 2400 passengers.

The 345m-long Queen Mary 2 cruise ship arrived in Darwin just before 7am Monday with many passengers purchasing a last-minute deal after it was diverted from Hong Kong.

It is scheduled to leave Darwin at 5pm today.

The Queen Mary 2 arrives at Stokes Hill Wharf in Darwin. She is on a round the world voyage and is overnighting in port. Picture: Che Chorley

Passengers Chris and Clemencia Kerby from London enjoyed their first day in Darwin but are looking to explore more of the Territory.

“We’ve bought a dress, a top and a coffee and we went on the red bus,” Mr Kerby said. “We’re here overnight and tomorrow we’re going to go on an excursion to the Territory Wildlife Park.”

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Passengers Sandra and John Lemmon were pleased they had made the trip to the Top End and intend to spend more time in the city.

“We love it. It’s very impressive, very clean. We haven’t explored a lot but it’s fine,” Ms Lemmon said.

Sandra and John Lemmon didn't intend on coming to Darwin this trip but are impressed with what they've seen here.

“We’re going to hopefully do a bit more tomorrow (Tuesday) … we’ll treat ourselves here if we find the right thing.

“It’s been beautiful; the ocean is so flat and calm. It’s a pretty place Australia.”

While the cruise influx hasn’t fixed all the woes of struggling CBD retailers, it has brought some cash through the doors.

Cruise ship passengers Luz Fernandez and Jesus Romero brought a suitcase from Strandbag in the Mitchell Centre.

Strandbags sales assistant Taylah Folino-Driver said cruise passengers always helped.

“It definitely helps our store out because it brings in a massive influx of people which increases our targets and our budgets,” she said.

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“It gives us the opportunity to interact with people from other countries and it allows us to get an idea of how to improve our store, people give us ideas of how we can make changes.”

Thousands of passengers will get to experience the Top End during their overnight stay. Picture: Che Chorley

The Rabbit Hole duty manager Reed Alanes said: “We definitely know when they come so we can prepare food and drinks. This has been the busiest one that we’ve had so far (this wet season).”

People interested in seeing the cruise ship can head to Stokes Hill Wharf before it departs today.

The Queen Mary 2, which is on a round the world cruise, had to skip scheduled stops in Singapore and Hong Kong.

CBD retailers have received a much-needed economic boost after the arrival of one of the world’s biggest cruise ships and its more than 2400 passengers. Picture: Che Chorley