Silversea celebrates its return to Australia with Darwin ceremony

Silversea Cruises and Darwin Port celebrated the line’s return to Australia on Friday with a plaque exchange to signify Silver Explorer’s maiden call in Darwin.

The plaque exchange marks Silversea’s long-awaited return to Australian waters after more than two years.

Silversea’s managing director for the Asia Pacific, Adam Radwanski, was present to commemorate the special occasion, alongside Darwin Port general manager for Trade and Property, Petter Dummett, and NT Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Nicole Manison.

“Silver Explorer’s inaugural sailing from Darwin marks a special moment for our cruise line, as our first sailing in more than two years in Australian waters,” Radwanski said.

“The Kimberley region is amongst the most treasured in the world. We are thrilled to offer Silversea’s unparalleled signature ultra-luxury expedition experience to our valued guests.”

Dummett welcomes Silver Explorer, and said the ship’s arrival for expedition season would provide a welcome boost to the Northern Territory’s tourism and hospitality sector.

Minister Mason also commented on the economic value of the return of cruise ships to the territory, which she said generated around $60 million of annual expenditure within the NT pre-COVID.

“We know cruise passengers spend at local businesses including retail outlets, cafes and restaurants while enjoying tourism experiences that showcase the Territory,” she said.

“The Northern Territory was the first jurisdiction in Australia to welcome back international expedition vessels, and we are delighted to host Silver Explorer and her guests.”

Silversea Cruises has introduced a multi-layered set of science-backed protocols to ensure the health and safety of guests, crew and the communities they visit, including mandatory vaccination against COVID-19 for all guests.