Crown Princess Returns from World Voyage, Sets Off on Month-Long Australian Cruise

• Crown Princess arrived in Sydney today at the end of a highly popular world voyage
• Passengers had been on board for 110 days.
• She now sets off for a 28-day circum-navigation of Australia.

Sydney Harbour was the stage this morning of the triumphant return of Crown Princess, completing her 2025 world cruise with more than 3,000 passengers aboard after 110 days at sea.

The 113,000-ton vessel sailed out of Sydney in April, and has since completed a sweeping global journey across four continents, 25 countries, and over 40 ports.

Her arrival sparks the start of Australia’s cruise season, with 63 ships visiting our shores.

Passengers visited destinations ranging from Singapore, Dubai, Athens, and Rome to Barcelona, Lisbon, and New York. The voyage also included a Panama Canal transit and a string of Pacific islands before returning to Australia via New Zealand.

110 Days at Sea

Carrying 3,080 passengers and supported by more than 1,200 crew, Crown Princess became a floating community as she navigated her ambitious itinerary. The months-long voyage saw anniversaries celebrated at sea, onboard friendships forged, and a steady rhythm of gala nights, lectures, and themed entertainment marking the journey between ports.

Excitement peaked as the ship made her final approach into Sydney, with passengers lining the decks at dawn to watch the Harbour Bridge and Opera House come into view. For many, the moment symbolised both the close of an extraordinary adventure and the comforts of returning home.

“It’s been extraordinary,” said one passenger from Melbourne. “You don’t just see the world — you live it, day by day. Coming back into Sydney feels like completing the circle.”

Circumnavigation of Australia

But the liner’s schedule leaves little time to rest. Almost immediately after disembarking her world cruise passengers, Crown Princess is turning her bow back to sea, this time embarking on a 28-day circumnavigation of Australia.

The month-long voyage will chart the continent’s full coastline: Queensland’s reef ports, Darwin and the Northern Territory, Western Australia’s Fremantle and Margaret River, South Australia’s wine country, and Tasmania.

Passengers will also enjoy extended coastal cruising, including the Kimberley region, along with overnight stays in selected ports to allow deeper immersion in local culture and landscapes.

The itinerary remains one of the most popular among Australian cruisers, offering the grandeur of a long voyage without leaving home waters.

Demand Outstripping Supply

The arrival and rapid redeployment of Crown Princess also highlights a challenge facing the local industry: Australia is sailing at a 30% deficit in cruise capacity this year compared with pre-pandemic levels. Demand for extended voyages remains strong, with many sailings selling out months in advance, but fewer ships are operating in the market.

For cruisers lucky enough to secure a berth, the next four weeks promise an all-encompassing exploration of Australia’s diverse coasts aboard one of Princess Cruises’ most recognisable ships. For the industry, it underscores both the appetite for longer itineraries and the urgency of addressing capacity shortfalls in the years ahead.

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