Townsville set to make waves this cruise season

Townsville is set to make waves this cruise season with a record 26 cruise ships scheduled to dock at Port of Townsville, including seven large-class vessels and two overnight stays.

More than 31,000 passengers and 14,000 crew will visit our city throughout the 2025/2026 season, injecting more than $9.5 million into the local economy.

The season officially kicks off on Thursday, 3 July with the arrival of Oceania Cruises’ Regatta, carrying more than 1200 passengers and 380 crew.

Port of Townsville CEO Ranee Crosby said the Port was ready to welcome more visitors and bigger cruise ships than ever before.

“With the practical completion of our $251 million Channel Upgrade project earlier this year, cruise ships longer than 238 metres can now safely access our Port,” Ms Crosby said.

“Some of these large-class cruise ships can carry up to 3000 guests, which is triple the number of guests we’ve previously welcomed from a single ship.

“It’s a significant boost not just for the Port, but the entire region as well.”

This season, Port of Townsville will welcome vessels from July 2025 to April 2026.

“Townsville’s cruise season is becoming longer as more cruise lines look to our city and we’re excited to be welcoming passengers over the winter months when our region really shines,” Ms Crosby said.

For the first time, Townsville will host two overnight stays including the maiden voyage of The World in December, a luxury residential cruise ship.

Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Minister Ros Bates said the Port of Townsville would continue to play a key role in contributing to the local economy.

“The completion of the Channel Upgrade Project secures Townsville’s position as a gateway to Asia-Pacific and ensures the Port is well positioned to meet growing demand into the future, whether that’s in trade or tourism,” Minister Bates said.

Townsville Enterprise Director of Visitor Economy and Marketing Lisa Woolfe said the return of major cruise lines to Townsville North Queensland marked a significant milestone for the region.

“The growth of cruise in Townsville underscores our region’s appeal as a must-visit destination for both domestic and international travellers, delivering significant economic benefits for local businesses and the wider community,” Ms Woolfe said.

“This season is particularly exciting as we welcome a number of maiden calls and even overnight stays – a clear sign that our cruise strategy is working and that Townsville is firmly on the map for extended visits and deeper exploration.

“Cruise passengers consistently tell us how impressed they are with their experience in Townsville North Queensland – from the warm welcome by our incredible tourism volunteers to unforgettable encounters with wildlife at Billabong Sanctuary, island adventures on Magnetic Island, and rich cultural experiences in Hinchinbrook.

“Whether they’re immersing themselves in rainforest escapes at Hidden Valley, stepping back in time in Charters Towers, or simply soaking up the coastal charm of The Strand, visitors are truly exploring beyond the port and discovering the heart of our region.”

Ms Crosby said cruise passengers are really taking notice of what makes Townsville special.

“With our warm tropical spirit and genuine hospitality, Townsville is leaving a lasting impression,” she said.

"As the city continues to pursue a bold tourism vision, we’re thrilled to set stage for more ships to arrive and more visitors to discover the unique magic that makes this city and region an unforgettable destination.”

To accommodate the growing number of visitors the Port has also invested $5.9 million to upgrade its dedicated cruise terminal, providing a seamless ship-to-shore experience for guests and include expanded capacity for buses, new taxi ranks, and a dedicated Kiss ‘n’ Ride zone.