The arrival of Pacific Explorer on October 25 marked the first large cruise ship to visit Hobart in over two years.

Pacific Explorer docked with around 3000 passengers and crew onboard, marking the first of 62 calls in Tasmania by Carnival ships from now until the end of April.

Jeremy Rockliff, Premier of Tasmania welcomed the return of cruising to Tasmania with open arms.

“In a significant boost for our economy and for local businesses, Tasmania is once again welcoming major cruise operators back to our shores, with the Pacific Explorer and its passengers landing this morning in Hobart.

“This marks another significant milestone as we continue to transition out of the pandemic, and will provide a welcome boost to local businesses and our economy after nearly three years without.

Mr Rockliff also gave the figures on just how much cruise would inject into the local economy.

“It also marks the start of the cruise ship season, with 153 port calls booked in Tasmania for the 2022-23 season – with the economic contribution to Tasmanian businesses estimated at $60 million in direct passenger spending and approximately $100 million in value added products and shipping services.

“Businesses benefitting from the cruise season include tourism operators, shipping agents, ports, Tasmanian travel agents, producers, and other suppliers across the state.”