Business
23 September, 2025
Cruising to reap $215m
ABOUT 90 cruise ship visits with thousands of passengers and crew spending $215 million have started arriving in Cairns.
The port welcomed more than 3000 cruise passengers and 1000 crew on Monday as the Carnival Adventure docked at the city’s cruise terminal, marking the start of a busy cruise season.
Ports North operations general manager Ash Sinha said about 90 cruise ships were due this year, with passenger numbers remaining solid and strong forward bookings for next year.
He highlighted the city’s unique position as a cruise port, with ships docking directly in the city centre, providing easy access to tours and local businesses.
“Cairns is a major regional cruise destination and we continue to invest in infrastructure, including upgrades to the boardwalk and cruise terminal, to support this growth,” Mr Sinha said.
A new map guiding visitors was launched this week.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) chief executive officer Mark Olsen said the map helped visitors explore the city, from dining and shopping to day trips in the rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.
“While many passengers join pre-arranged tours, others prefer to wander the city and soak up our tropical lifestyle,” he aid.
“The map ensures visitors can enjoy their time in port and easily find local experiences.”
Welcome ambassador Wayne Rees, volunteering since the program began, greeted passengers with a warm Cairns welcome.
“It’s important to have someone there the moment passengers step off the ship,” he said.
“A friendly face can set the tone for their entire stay.”
Mr Rees said cruise passengers often returned multiple times, drawn by Cairns’ laid-back atmosphere, friendly locals and tropical environment.
He said the cruise map helped visitors find everything from chemists and shopping centres to attractions like glass-bottom boat tours.
Mr Olsen said the map was updated annually, with QR codes and digital versions in the works, ensuring visitors had easy access to information and could book experiences on the spot.
TTNQ estimates the cruise industry contributes over $215 million annually to the local economy.
With around 250 bookable experiences in Cairns and 2500 across the region, the sector provides opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs to connect with cruise passengers.
