The biggest cruise ship to visit Australia, the Ovation of the Seas, arrived in Darwin today delivering a bumper trade for local retailers and tourism businesses.

The $1 billion state-of-the-art ship and its 4,000 passengers and 1,500 crew were welcomed at a special ceremony this morning that saw the NT flag fly over the ship via a sky jumper.

“It was a great thrill to welcome the Ovation of the Seas to Darwin today and put on a classic Northern Territory show for her passengers,” said Department of Tourism and Culture CEO, Alastair Shields.

“Having the Ovation in Darwin is like having around 10 A380 aeroplanes here at once, which is huge for our tourism industry. Based on passenger spend alone, we’re expecting the visit to inject $650,000 into the local economy.

“The ship itself is remarkable, boasting the world’s first Bionic Bar, where robots prepare and deliver drinks, a glass observation viewing capsule that can hover 90 metres above sea level as well as surfing experiences and indoor sky diving.

“I’ve no doubt passengers will enjoy their Northern Territory stop over and our unique tourism attractions and experiences as well as our spectacular wildlife and scenery.”

In addition to the giant NT flag flyover, other highlights of today’s welcome activities included the traditional water canon salute, live musical performances by local artists at the Wharf, the Darwin Waterfront and Smith Street Mall, reptiles and baby crocodiles in Darwin City’s Smith Street Mall and pop-up arts and craft stalls at the nearby Civic Park.

With Darwin the last stop on the ship’s maiden season in Australia, the Ovation’s passengers will also be treated to a Territory-style “Farewell Flotilla” with locals hitting the water in their fishing boats and tinnies to wave goodbye to the massive ship as it sets sail for Malaysia at 5pm today.

Mr Shields said visits by large cruise ships like the Ovation of the Seas were crucial to the Northern Territory’s economy.

“The Northern Territory Government is working hard to position Darwin as an attractive cruise ship destination to ensure the sector, which generates $30 million to the NT economy each year, continues to grow,” he said.

“Cruise ship visits provide an influx of tourists into our region during the off-peak and shoulder seasons with passengers and crew undertaking tours, visiting local attractions and shopping at local retail outlets, cafes and restaurants.

“This year we’re anticipating 46 cruise ship visits to Darwin, one more than last year, bringing an estimated 67,000 passengers to the Top End. The cruise industry is a key part of our plan to build a $2.2 billion visitor economy in the Northern Territory by 2020.”

If using photos attached, please credit: Tauri Minogue Photography, Darwin Port

ENDS

Media Contact: Lisa Andrews, Corporate Media and Communications Manager +61 401 115 634