Brisbane cruise terminal reaches three million passengers
The Pinkenba facility has handled 600 ships since cruise operations began in June 2022.
The Brisbane International Cruise Terminal has reached three million passengers and 600 ship visits since opening to cruise traffic following the COVID-19 shutdown.
The Port of Brisbane’s $177 million terminal at Pinkenba was completed in 2020, but pandemic restrictions delayed its first ship arrival until June 2022. P&O’s Pacific Explorer became the first vessel to use the facility during its official opening on June 2 that year.
Port of Brisbane chief executive Neil Stephens said the terminal was almost fully booked from its first day during the peak summer season. Ships based in Brisbane or visiting the city also commonly continue to Queensland destinations including Townsville, Cairns and Airlie Beach, extending passenger spending and tourism activity along the coast.
When the dedicated cruise terminal is booked, the port has resumed using its multi-user terminal for some smaller vessels and ships making day calls. The measure is a short-term response to demand, while the port considers options for future expansion.