Brisbane Cruise Terminal Hits Major Milestone
The Port of Brisbane, Australia, is celebrating a significant achievement as passenger movements at the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal (BICT) surpass two million. This milestone comes just two and a half years after the terminal’s opening, marking a pivotal moment for Queensland’s cruise tourism industry.
Significance of the Two Million Passenger Mark
BICT, which opened in June 2022 at a cost of US$110 million, reached the two-millionth passenger milestone on Saturday. This achievement was marked by the arrival of P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Encounter. However, this visit may be the last for the vessel under its current name, as it is set to be rebranded as Carnival Encounter in March 2025. Carnival Corporation announced the transition as part of its strategy to phase out the P&O Cruises Australia brand.
Peter Little, Carnival Corporation’s Country Manager, emphasized the importance of the partnership with BICT. He stated, “Carnival’s long-term partnership with the world-class BICT has helped in the success of Queensland’s growing cruise industry.” He expressed excitement for the upcoming expansion, which will allow Carnival to offer year-round cruises from Brisbane.
The construction of BICT was a strategic move to enhance Queensland’s cruise tourism. Before its establishment, cruise ships longer than 270 meters had to dock at cargo terminals, often leading cruise lines to bypass Brisbane. This change has brought significant economic benefits. Each cruise ship visit is estimated to contribute around US$620,000 to the local economy. Over the next decade, cruising is projected to add approximately US$700 million to Queensland’s economy. The port anticipates over 150 cruise calls from 13 different cruise lines during the 2024/25 season.
Neil Stephens, CEO of the Port of Brisbane, remarked on the importance of this milestone, stating, “Achieving two million passenger movements through our world-class terminal highlights the integral role of BICT to Queensland’s cruise tourism industry.” This achievement not only underscores the terminal’s success but also its potential to drive future growth in the region.
