P&O Cruises is adding calls at the Port of Townsville from 2025.
The company announced the plans during the launch of its 90th anniversary celebration in Brisbane.
Pacific Encounter will also call Brisbane’s upgraded International Cruise Terminal home.
According to a statement from the Queensland government. P&O will carry out more than 118 ship visits across Queensland throughout this year.
The state government said the Townsville call is only made possible by the $251-million channel upgrade at the Port of Townsville.
The project will see the 14.9-kilometre channel widened from 92 metres to 180 metres in width.
Due to be complete in 2024, the channel upgrade enables the port to accommodate larger vessels up to 300 metres long.
The project is part of a broader, $1.6 billion, 30-year expansion plan for the Port of Townsville.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said P&O’s announcement was “big news” for cruising in Queensland, and the start of a bigger chapter for Townsville.
“This industry brings millions of tourists to our doorstep to experience everything we have to offer and as a result, thousands of local businesses and communities benefit,” she said.
“P&O’s commitment to our great state means more tourists, both locally, interstate and internationally can experience not only South-East Queensland but also more of North Queensland.”
Port of Townsville CEO Ranee Crosby said the port is “extremely excited” for P&O Cruises to visit Townsville during the 2024-25 cruise season.
“The Pacific Encounter and Pacific Explorer will be the biggest cruise ships Townsville has ever seen, carrying more than 4500 passengers and almost 2000 crew between them,” she said.
“These two vessels are the first to book in anticipation of our readiness to accommodate larger ships following the channel upgrade project. They are proof that the upgrade is going to deliver prosperity directly into North Queensland businesses, with $2.25 million expected to flow into the city during the two visits.
Ms Crosby said the Port of Townsville is now warmly welcoming bookings for cruise ships up to 300 metres long for visits from 1 December 2024.
“P&O’s confidence in Townsville will help power our city’s cruise tourism into its next evolution, and the port is looking forward to working closely with Townsville City Council, Townsville Enterprise and local tourism operators to ensure that we are ready to make the most of this exciting next phase.”
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said it has been fantastic having cruise ships return to Townsville helping bring visitors and economic benefit to our city.
“It’s also fantastic to see the channel upgrade at the Port of Townsville progressing because this will allow bigger cruise ships to come to the city which will help our local businesses in the future,” he said.
Carnival Australia and P&O Cruises president Marguerite Fitzgerald said Queensland accounts for almost 40% of the company’s market.
“That’s why we have invested and will continue to invest in Queensland,” she said.
“Whether it’s supporting the Port of Brisbane through significant upgrades, calling the capital home for our magnificent Pacific Encounter or unlocking North and Far North Queensland through adding Townsville to our itinerary – we are proud to back Queensland and make it the number one destination for cruising.
