Australia’s cruise season about to kick off with 63 ships and thousands of cruisers

• Australia’s cruise season is about to kick off with 63 ships.
• Cruise Lines International Association told a major conference thousands of cruise passengers are expense pumping billions into the economy
• MD Joel Katz mentioned applauded moves by New Zealand to welcome back cruising after a drop in cruise calls also affecting Australia.

Australia could be heading for a record-setting cruise season, as dozens of international vessels chart their way to local shores between October and April, and Australians fly over seas.

From luxury expeditions in the Kimberley to grand voyages across the South Pacific, the summer cruise calendar is has a big and diverse number of experiences on offer.

According to Cruise Lines International Association Australasia (CLIA), a total of 63 ships will operate in Australian waters this season, bringing hundreds of thousands of visitors and delivering billions of dollars in economic benefits to port cities and coastal communities across the nation.

Australia’s remains the world’s fourth largest cruise market and, according to CLIA, one of the most desirable destinations for both international visitors and Australians eager to holiday at sea. With iconic natural wonders, pristine coastlines, thriving cities, and access to remote adventure regions, the country is perfectly positioned to appeal to every kind of traveler.

Joel Katz, CLIA Managing Director in Australasia, told the association’s annual conference in Brisbane the 2025–26 season underscores the resilience and popularity of cruising.

“We’ve been pleased to announce that the number of Australians cruising grew decisively last year to more than 1.3 million, an increase of almost 6%.  That’s one of our best ever years in this region

“We are still one of the most passionate and committed cruise regions in the world. And we are still head-and-shoulders above where we were only a decade ago, when Australian passenger numbers first nudged through the one-million barrier.

“Importantly, the opportunities in this market remain very strong. The intention to cruise is high. Our domestic cruise guests are as enthusiastic as ever.  Repeat cruising continues at very high rates, and increasing numbers of guests are looking to fly-cruise options in other parts of the world. Today and tomorrow, we’ll hear much more about these opportunities.”

This season also coincides with the 10th anniversary of Cruise360 Australasia, the region’s largest cruise industry conference, held in Brisbane with a record 850 delegates.

Younger Cruisers

While cruising has long been associated with Baby Boomers, the demographic is shifting dramatically. Internationally, the average age of a cruise guest is now 46.5 years, with more than a third of passengers under 40.

Gen X and Millennials are fueling the surge, demonstrating stronger intent to cruise than their older counterparts. First-time cruisers are also on the rise, with nearly a third of passengers in the last two years stepping onboard for the very first time — a major jump from pre-pandemic figures.

For Australia, this younger audience is particularly significant. It opens new avenues for luxury and expedition cruising, as well as short, themed getaways that appeal to those seeking unique and Instagram-worthy travel experiences. River cruising and culinary journeys are also on the rise, while Gen Z is tipped to be the next major cruise market.

MD Joel Katz applauded across-government efforts to persuade cruise lines to increase cruise calls, and said CLIA was working hard in Australia to do the same. Australian capacity is down 38 per cent, and New Zealand’s 40%.

Who Sailing This Season

A total of 24 CLIA cruise lines will operate across Australian waters this summer, according to CLIA. The breadth of offerings spans boutique expeditions, luxury voyages, family-friendly adventures, and world-spanning itineraries. Below is a closer look at the ships and cruise lines making headlines this season.

APT

APT continues to innovate with small-ship expeditions and the launch of its luxury paddlesteamer PS Australian Star on the Murray River in summer 2025. Guests can also embark on the Seabourn Pursuit in the Kimberley, or sail aboard the Coral Adventurer and Coral Discoverer for Great Barrier Reef and coastal adventures.

Aurora Expeditions

Proudly Australian, Aurora welcomes its third purpose-built expedition ship, the Douglas Mawson. The ship debuts with an 11-day circumnavigation of Tasmania before retracing the route of Sir Douglas Mawson’s legendary Antarctic expedition.

Azamara Cruises

Returning to the region in style, Azamara Pursuit will begin Tasman Sea itineraries before heading north to Asia. Azamara Onward joins in February 2025 during its epic 155-night World Cruise, with highlights across New Zealand, Hobart, Eden, and Sydney.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival expands its local fleet to four ships, with Carnival Luminosa joining Carnival Encounter, Carnival Adventure, and Carnival Splendor. Sailings range from quick getaways to South Pacific adventures.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Edge resumes its popular itineraries from Sydney and Auckland, featuring the famous Magic Carpet platform and luxury experiences. Celebrity Solstice follows in April 2026 after modernization, with its first-ever Transpacific voyage to Hawaii.

Coral Expeditions

With over 100 departures scheduled, Coral Expeditions remains the Kimberley’s largest operator while also expanding on the Great Barrier Reef, Tasmania, and WA’s Coral Coast. A refreshed Coral Discoverer joins the fleet this year.

Crystal Cruises

The luxurious Crystal Serenity returns in February 2026, bringing guests from Auckland to Melbourne, then onwards to Bali. Onboard, the only Nobu restaurant at sea will delight food lovers.

Cunard

Marking 185 years of sailing, Cunard brings Queen Mary 2 and the brand-new Queen Anne to Sydney as part of their world voyages in 2026.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Wonder sails again from Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland, enchanting families with beloved characters and shows. Meanwhile, Disney Adventure begins operations from Singapore.

Heritage Expeditions

This family-owned line continues its exploration of remote Australian, Indonesian, and Antarctic destinations aboard Heritage Adventurer.

Holland America Line

Noordam returns for her close-to-home season, while Volendam arrives in March as part of a 41-day Grand World Voyage.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Spirit continues boutique voyages between Sydney and Auckland, featuring maiden calls in Busselton and Albany.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Riviera makes its regional debut with gourmet-focused itineraries, while Oceania Vista follows in April 2026 during its world cruise.

PONANT

Le Jacques-Cartier, Le Soléal, and Le Commandant Charcot deliver bold itineraries spanning PNG, Indonesia, Antarctica, and Tasmania.

Princess Cruises

Celebrating 50 years in Australia, Crown Princess returns in September 2025, while Discovery Princess makes her debut in December from her Sydney base.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Mariner highlight luxury itineraries across Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia.

Royal Caribbean

Australia’s blockbuster season features the debut of Anthem of the Seas and return of Voyager of the Seas. Families can also enjoy Wiggles-themed holidays at sea.

Scenic Luxury Cruises

Scenic Eclipse II embarks on voyages from the Kimberley to Antarctica, before sailing toward the Mediterranean.

Seabourn

Seabourn Quest, Seabourn Pursuit, and Seabourn Sojourn offer luxury expeditions and world cruise itineraries across both Australia and New Zealand.

Silversea

Silver Nova and Silver Moon immerse guests in cultural and culinary adventures, enhanced by Silversea’s acclaimed S.A.L.T. program.

Other cruise lines visiting this season include Costa Cruises, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, Nicko Cruises, and P&O Cruises UK.

With the cruise industry drawing in younger travelers, embracing luxury and expedition styles, and extending into river and culinary cruising, the future looks brighter than ever. As Joel Katz notes, “Australia is one of the world’s most spectacular cruise destinations.” And with 63 ships sailing this season, that reputation is only set to grow.