Saturday, November 9, 2024 Cruising made a powerful comeback from pandemic shutdowns, and Australians led the charge to get back onboard. However, we opted for local adventures, marking a record number of passengers visiting Australian ports. In 2023, over one million Australians enjoyed local cruises, supported by 13 ships based here.
This domestic wave was driven by pent-up demand and competitive pricing from cruise lines eager to fill cabins. Our passion for cruising held strong, even as cabin prices climbed in 2024. This year, over 80 cruise ships have sailed Australian waters, making an impressive 3,700 port visits.
Carnival Cruise Line, for instance, reported 846 Australian port calls, up from 575 in 2023. Additionally, newcomers like Disney Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages joined Australia’s cruising scene for the first time. Cruising domestically offers a wide array of options, from short getaways in Queensland’s sunny waters on large, family-friendly ships to relaxed journeys along the east coast on intimate luxury vessels or expedition adventures into the Torres Strait.
Some cruise lines even provide the unique experience of circumnavigating the entire continent. Queensland ranks as the top cruise destination, closely followed by Tasmania, while New Zealand remains the most favored international cruise destination, often reached from major Australian ports like Melbourne and Sydney. Cruise preferences are evolving, with average cruise lengths decreasing to 8.
1 day.
