A record cruising year is due to inject US$3.5 million into the economy of Townsville QLD in 2018. The first ship of the season is expected next week.
2018 will be the biggest one yet for the cruise ship terminal, with 19 liners scheduled to call in the city. The calls will bring over 15,000 passengers and 8000 crew throughout 2018.
Port of Townsville is currently preparing for the official launch of the season on Wednesday, November 29, unveiling a brand new cruise-welcome uniform specially created for the occasion.
Another cruising milestone is expected in September, with port’s first partial turnaround.
Local silk artist Pip Earl (fashion label Pipsilk) created a design which features scarfs and silk panels in a pattern inspired by the Great Barrier Reef and tropics. The uniforms will be given a debut when Seabourn Encore docks at the terminal next week, carrying around 1000 passengers and crew.
The last two cruise vessels for 2017 will stop in port of Townsville next week, bringing 752 crew and 986 passengers.