P&O Cruises adds Townsville to its line-up from 2025

P&O Cruises will add Townsville to its line-up of port calls from 2025.

Visits from the cruise line's Pacific Explorer and Pacific Encounter – the largest cruise ships ever to stop in Townsville – are facilitated by the upcoming completion of the Port of Townsville’s $251 million Channel Upgrade project.

Port of Townsville CEO Ranee Crosby said the Port is extremely excited to welcome P&O Cruises to the line-up for the 2024/25 Cruise Season.

“The Pacific Encounter and Pacific Explorer will be the biggest cruise ships Townsville has ever seen, carrying more than 4,500 passengers and almost 2,000 crew between them," said Ms Crosby.

“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.

“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.”

The Port of Townsville is now warmly welcoming bookings for cruise ships up to 300m long for visits from 1 December 2024.

Read the Queensland Government's full media release here.