BICT, Brisbane International Cruise Terminal, celebrates 100 cruise calls
Brisbane’s new home for cruising, the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal (BICT), has welcomed its 100th cruise vessel on 26 February 2023, nine months after opening its doors.
Since celebrating the BICT’s official opening on2 June 2022, more than 430,000 passengers have travelled through the new cruise terminal.
Yesterday’s arrival of Quantum of the Seas (February 26) was marked by Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd’s (PBPL) Chief Executive Officer, Neil Stephens, and the vessel’s Captain, Arild Hansen.
PBPL CEO, Neil Stephens, said Brisbane and Queensland’s cruise tourism industry had experienced an exceptional restart.
“Reaching 100 cruise calls so quickly is a significant milestone and I want to congratulate our team, and all the workers at this world-class facility,” said Mr Stephens.
“The Brisbane International Cruise Terminal has 139 bookings for the 2022/23 cruise season, with a current forecast of 199 in 2023/24 – a 43% increase anticipated on this first year.
“Each cruise ship call contributes almost $1 million to the Queensland economy, providing a welcome boost post-COVID, and over the next decade, cruising from Brisbane is forecast to contribute around $1.15 billion to the state’s economy.
“This success is testament to the support of the cruising public, the cruise lines themselves, especially our Foundation Partner Carnival Australia, and both the state and local governments.”
The Brisbane International Cruise Terminal is a $177 million investment by Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd. It was delivered in mid-2020, with the terminal opening to the public on 2 June 2022 after a ‘pause’ on cruising by Government due to COVID.
