Australia’s 2025–26 Cruise Season Welcomes 63 Ships, Boosts Local Economy

Australia is set for an exceptional cruise season in 2025-2026, with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia confirming that 63 cruise ships operated by 24 different cruise lines will sail through its waters. This announcement, made during the 10th anniversary Cruise360 Australasia conference in Sydney and a subsequent event in Brisbane, highlights the region's growing significance as a global cruise destination and its potential for substantial economic impact.

A Record Season for Australia's Cruise Industry

The 2025-26 cruise season will run from October 2025 through April 2026, aligning with the Southern Hemisphere’s summer. During this peak season, world-renowned cruise lines, including Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean International, will deploy both regional and global fleets to Australian homeports. Sydney is expected to retain its status as Australia’s premier gateway, while Brisbane is emerging as a key cruise hub, with more brand deployments expected than in previous years.

According to CLIA’s 2025 State of the Industry report, the Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific cruise regions have reached the seventh position among the top 10 global cruise markets. This highlights the area’s expanding appeal, driven by both the growing popularity of cruising worldwide and the region’s unique geographical attractions ranging from iconic coastlines to its proximity to the South Pacific and New Zealand.

Economic Boost to Local Economies

The cruise industry is poised to bring an economic boon to Australia, benefiting ports, businesses, and local communities. CLIA projects that the 2025-26 season will generate approximately $8.5 billion in direct and indirect spending. This substantial financial input accounts for onshore passenger and crew spending, port charges, tourism activities, and the provisioning of ships.

Prominent destinations such as New South Wales’ Sapphire Coast, expecting to host approximately 1.2 million passengers, stand to gain significantly. This influx of tourists is expected to drive spending on local transport, hospitality, and attractions. Sydney remains the busiest homeport, while regional destinations are set to enjoy increased visitation through broader deployment outside major metropolitan hubs.

Younger Demographics and First-Time Cruisers

Cruise demographics are evolving, with younger travelers increasingly embracing cruising as a preferred travel option. Globally, the average age of cruise passengers has dropped to 46.5 years, with one-third of cruisers now under the age of 40. In Australia, first-time cruisers accounted for 31% of passengers over the past two years, a jump from 24% recorded in 2019.

This growth in younger passengers is fueled by shifts in the industry, such as an expansion in luxury and expedition cruising. These options appeal to travelers seeking more immersive, unique, and adventure-focused experiences. The diversity of modern cruise offerings, from floating resorts to intimate exploration vessels, has broadened the demographic reach of the industry. Australia’s positioning within spectacular natural surroundings adds to its popularity among this new wave of travelers.

Major Cruises and Itineraries for 2025-2026

Several marquee cruise lines have unveiled ambitious deployment plans for the 2025-26 season, underscoring their confidence in Australia’s cruise market:

• Carnival Cruise Line will homeport four vessels, including Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Encounter from Brisbane, and Carnival Adventure and Carnival Splendor departing from Sydney.
• Royal Caribbean International plans to deploy Anthem of the Seas to Sydney and Voyager of the Seas to Brisbane, enabling expansive itineraries across the region.
• Princess Cruises will mark 50 years of sailing Australian waters by basing the Crown Princess in the country for year-round voyages.
• Disney Cruise Line will bring the Disney Wonder back to the region for a final season, having announced that it will retire from Australian waters after the 2025-26 season.
• Other major deployments will feature Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Spirit, which plans itineraries connecting Sydney to Auckland, as well as luxury operators like Crystal, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Aurora Expeditions, and Coral Expeditions that are expanding their premium offerings in the region.

Brisbane: A Rising Star in the Cruise Industry

While Sydney is set to hold its title as the region’s primary cruise gateway, Brisbane is seeing rapid growth as an essential homeport for international cruise lines. Joel Katz, CLIA Australasia’s Managing Director, underscored Brisbane’s increasing importance during his address at the Cruise360 event in the city. Notable brands like Carnival and Royal Caribbean have recognized the potential of Brisbane as a key departure point, further diversifying the country’s port offerings. The strategic focus on Brisbane aligns with industry efforts to expand Australia’s cruise market to include secondary ports that enhance the tourism appeal of new regions.

Industry Atmosphere and Market Outlook

The industry’s optimism was evident at the Cruise360 conference, where leaders discussed emerging trends such as the rise of luxury cruising and shifting consumer demographics. The event emphasized ways for Australia to strengthen its position as a global cruise leader, with a focus on sustainability and adapting to evolving traveler expectations.

Tourism entities and local businesses alike have shown enthusiasm for the record-breaking season. As international and domestic travel normalizes following global disruptions in recent years, Australia’s cruise stakeholders are well-prepared to meet growing demand. With 63 ships sailing in Australian waters, the upcoming season represents a significant step forward for the cruise industry, signaling not only revival but also evolution within the sector.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When will Australia’s 2025–26 cruise season take place?

The prime cruise season will span from October 2025 to April 2026, coinciding with the Southern Hemisphere’s summer months.

How many cruise ships and lines are scheduled to sail in the 2025–26 season?

A total of 63 cruise ships operated by 24 cruise lines will explore the Australian, New Zealand, and Pacific region during this record-breaking season.

What economic benefits will the cruise season bring to Australia?

It is estimated that the cruise industry will generate approximately $8.5 billion in direct and indirect spending, with benefits encompassing onshore passenger and crew expenditures, port services, and tourism supply chain activities. The Sapphire Coast alone is expecting about 1.2 million passengers.

Which cruise lines are making major deployments in the region?

Key deployments include Carnival Cruise Line’s four homeported vessels, Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas, Princess Cruises’ Crown Princess, and Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wonder. Luxury and expedition cruise operators such as Crystal, Aurora Expeditions, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises are also set to return.

Why is the Australian cruise market expanding rapidly?

The region’s popularity stems from its geographic charm, diverse offerings for cruising experiences, and a shift in demographics towards younger and first-time cruisers. Enhanced luxury and expedition offerings have also played a significant role in attracting new travelers.