62 cruise ships are scheduled to visit Australia during the 2024-2025 summer season, a slight decrease from the 70 ships last year. However, the number of port calls is expected to rise by 3%, reaching a total of 1904, which presents significant tourism opportunities for local communities, according to Joel Katz, Managing Director of Cruise Lines International Association Australasia/CLIA Australasia.
Notably, new arrivals this season include Silversea’s ship Silver Nova, NCL’s ship Norwegian Sun, and Cunard’s newest ship Queen Anne, all of which will make their maiden visits in November, December, and February, respectively.
In January, Ponant's Paspaley Pearl will begin its inaugural season north of Australia before cruising the Kimberley region.
A total of 25 cruise lines/brands will operate in Australian waters between October and April, offering various itineraries:
Azamara Pursuit will arrive in Geraldton in mid-December, continuing to sail along the Great Australian Bight with stops in Albany, Esperance, and Kangaroo Island before heading to New Zealand. The ship will be in Sydney Harbour during the New Year and will return to Australia before departing for Hong Kong in late February. Azamara Onward will also sail in Australian and New Zealand waters from mid-February as part of a world cruise, with both ships making a joint entrance into Sydney Harbour on February 20.
Cunard will celebrate 100 years of sailing to Australia this summer. Queen Elizabeth will arrive in October for a home-porting season from Sydney, featuring the third edition of the ‘Great Australian Culinary Voyage’ and the inaugural ‘Australian Literature Festival at Sea.’ In February, Queen Anne will make her maiden voyage to Australia as part of a world cruise.
Heritage Expeditions, New Zealand’s only family-owned and operated expedition cruise company, will celebrate its 40th anniversary with exclusive voyages to Antarctica aboard the 140-passenger Heritage Adventurer.
Holland America Line’s Westerdam will embark on a 35-day circumnavigation of Australia, departing Sydney on November 17.
Oceania Cruises’ Insignia, Regatta, and Nautica will all be present in local waters this summer.
P&O Cruises Australia will undergo a transition as Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter join the Carnival fleet in March.
Princess Cruises’ Crown Princess is set to embark on its inaugural 113-night world voyage from Sydney in June.
Viking's Viking Venus will offer a 31-night ‘Grand Australia Circumnavigation’ departing from Sydney on January 20.