A quickly expanding P&O Australia fleet is benefiting the Port of Cairns, which will see its cruise business more than double year-over-year for the 2016-2017 season.

Fifty-three calls are expected, according to a spokesperson, highlighted by the arrival of the Pacific Aria and homeporting operations by the Pacific Eden. Five maiden calls include the Seabourn Encore, Azamara Journey, Pacific Princess, Magellan and Sirena.

“The port sits adjacent to Cairns, a modern, sophisticated city with extensive shopping and dining experiences, a mountain backdrop and direct access to the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage Tropical Rainforests. Easy access from ship-to-shore makes Cairns an attractive cruise and fly/cruise port,” said the spokesperson.