The Northern Territory has capped off its most successful cruise season on record, with Darwin Port welcoming 113 cruise ships and nearly 80,000 passengers during the 2024/25 period.
The bumper season has contributed $181 million to the Territory’s economy and 527 local jobs.
The final vessel of the season, the Crown Princess, docked in Darwin on May 5, bringing almost 3,000 passengers to Top End shores.
Its arrival marked the end of a cruise season that has surpassed all previous records, cementing Darwin’s growing reputation as a premier cruise destination in the Asia-Pacific.
With the cruise season drawing to a close, local operators are turning their attention to the smaller expedition ship sector, which is forecast to further strengthen the NT’s tourism economy in the months ahead.
Between now and the end of 2025, 60 smaller expedition ships are expected to arrive in Darwin, carrying more than 11,000 passengers.
These smaller vessels cater to high-value, small-group travellers and are contributing to the Territory’s growing reputation for unique and remote tourism experiences.