Australia is a vast and diverse country, and one of the best ways to explore it is through a ship cruise. From the stunning Great Barrier Reef to the rugged coastline of Western Australia, a ship cruise offers the opportunity to see some of the country’s most beautiful and unique destinations. In this guide, we will provide a comprehensive overview of ship cruising in Australia, including statistics and figures from 2022–2023, cruise details, and tips for beginners.
Section 1: Statistics and Figures
Cruising is a popular activity in Australia, and the industry has experienced significant growth in recent years. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia, the number of Australians taking cruises grew by 4.4% in 2022–23, with a total of 1.6 million people taking a cruise. This trend is expected to continue, with a projected growth of 5.2% in 2023–24.
In terms of revenue, the cruise industry generated $6.9 billion in economic activity in Australia in 2022-23, up from $6.5 billion in the previous year. This includes both direct spending by cruise lines and passengers, as well as indirect spending on goods and services such as port charges, supplies, and shore excursions.
The most popular destinations for Australian cruisers in 2022-23 were the South Pacific, with 45.3% of passengers choosing this region, followed by Australia/New Zealand with 33.6%, and Asia with 10.5%. The average length of a cruise was 10.4 days, and the average passenger spend was $2,192.
Section 2: Cruise Details
There are a variety of cruise lines and ships that operate in Australia, offering a range of itineraries and onboard experiences. Australia’s cruise industry is set to make a comeback in 2022–2023 after the COVID-19 pandemic halted operations in 2020. Several major cruise lines are gearing up to offer exciting voyages to Australian and New Zealand destinations. Royal Caribbean International is set to deploy its popular Quantum of the Seas vessel to Australia for the first time, offering sailings from Sydney and Brisbane. Carnival Cruise Line will also be returning with its popular Carnival Splendor ship, offering 45 itineraries across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.
P&O Cruises Australia, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation, is set to welcome the new Pacific Encounter vessel in 2022, which will join the line’s existing fleet of Pacific Adventure and Pacific Explorer ships. Princess Cruises, which boasts a reputation for luxury cruising, will offer 44 itineraries across the region on its Majestic Princess vessel. Meanwhile, Celebrity Cruises will deploy its brand-new Celebrity Eclipse ship to Australia for the first time, offering 18 sailings from Melbourne and Sydney. With an anticipated influx of 350,000 passengers set to cruise from Australia in 2022-23, these major cruise lines are gearing up to offer unforgettable experiences to passengers eager to explore Australia and its surrounding islands.
Please find a few more details of ships in Australia:
Known for its innovative ships and family-friendly activities, Royal Caribbean offers cruises to destinations such as the South Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand. Royal Caribbean International is set to make its mark on the Australian cruise industry in 2022–2023 with the deployment of its Quantum of the Seas vessel. This will be the first time the ship has sailed to Australia, and it will offer sailings from Sydney and Brisbane. The Quantum of the Seas has a capacity of 4,180 passengers and boasts amenities such as skydiving simulators, surf simulators, and robot bartenders. The ship will offer a variety of itineraries, including voyages to New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and the Pacific Islands.
With a focus on fun and entertainment, Carnival offers cruises to the South Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as a variety of theme cruises such as comedy and music. Carnival Cruise Line is set to return to Australian shores in 2022-23 with its popular Carnival Splendor vessel. The ship will offer 45 itineraries across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, with departures from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. The Carnival Splendor has a capacity of 3,900 passengers and boasts amenities such as water parks, mini-golf courses, and a ropes course. The ship will offer a variety of itineraries, including voyages to the Great Barrier Reef, Tasmania, and New Zealand.
As Australia’s largest cruise line, P&O offers a wide range of itineraries to destinations such as the South Pacific, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea, as well as shorter “cruises to nowhere” departing from Australian ports.
P&O Cruises Australia, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation, is set to welcome a new ship to its fleet in 2022. The Pacific Encounter will join the line’s existing fleet of Pacific Adventure and Pacific Explorer ships, offering a capacity of 2,600 passengers. The ship will offer a variety of itineraries, including voyages to New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and the South Pacific islands. P&O Cruises Australia is known for its casual cruising experience, offering a range of onboard activities such as live music, comedy shows, and trivia nights.
Known for its elegant ships and upscale amenities, Princess offers cruises to destinations such as the South Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as longer cruises to Asia and Europe. Princess Cruises is renowned for its luxury cruising experience and will offer 44 itineraries across Australia and New Zealand in 2022-23 on its Majestic Princess vessel. The ship has a capacity of 3,560 passengers and boasts amenities such as a glass-bottomed walkway, a lavish spa, and a variety of gourmet dining options. The ship will offer a range of itineraries, including voyages to Tasmania, the Great Barrier Reef, and New Zealand’s Milford Sound.
With a focus on luxury and sophistication, Celebrity offers cruises to destinations such as the South Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as longer cruises to Asia and the Mediterranean. Celebrity Cruises will deploy its brand-new Celebrity Eclipse ship to Australia for the first time in 2022-23, offering 18 sailings from Melbourne and Sydney. The ship has a capacity of 2,900 passengers and boasts amenities such as a rooftop garden, a solarium, and a variety of gourmet dining options. The Celebrity Eclipse will offer a range of itineraries, including voyages to New Zealand, Tasmania, and the Great Barrier Reef. Celebrity Cruises is known for its sophisticated cruising experience, offering a range of luxury activities such as wine tasting, art classes, and guest lectures.
In terms of destinations, some of the most popular itineraries in Australia include:
The Great Barrier Reef
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Barrier Reef is a must-see destination for any cruiser in Australia. Many ships offer shore excursions that allow passengers to snorkel or dive in the reef, or take a scenic flight over the area.
Tasmania
Australia’s southernmost state is known for its natural beauty, including rugged coastlines, pristine beaches, and national parks. Many ships offer itineraries that include stops in Hobart, the state capital, as well as smaller towns and villages around the island.
Kimberley Coast
Located in Western Australia, the Kimberley Coast is a remote and rugged area that is home to stunning landscapes and wildlife. Many ships offer itineraries that include stops in places such as Broome, the gateway to the Kimberley, as well as smaller towns and scenic areas.
Sydney Harbour
One of the world’s most iconic harbours, Sydney Harbour is a popular destination for cruise ships. Many ships offer itineraries that include a stop in Sydney, giving passengers the opportunity to see famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
New Zealand
A short flight across the Tasman Sea, New Zealand is a popular destination for Australian cruisers. Many ships offer itineraries that visit destinations such as Auckland, Wellington, and Milford Sound.
Section 3: Tips for Beginners
If you are new to cruising in Australia, there are a few tips that can help you make the most of your experience:
Choose the right ship and itinerary:
There are many different cruise lines and itineraries to choose from, so it’s important to select the one that best fits your interests and needs. Consider factors such as the ship’s size, onboard amenities, and destinations when making your choice.
Plan your shore excursions:
While it’s tempting to relax onboard the ship, shore excursions are often the highlight of a cruise. Research the options available at each port and book in advance to avoid missing out.
Pack appropriately:
Australia has a range of climates and weather patterns, so it’s important to pack for a variety of conditions. Be sure to bring comfortable clothing and footwear for both onboard and onshore activities.
Be mindful of the environment:
Cruise ships can have a significant impact on the environment, so it’s important to be mindful of your actions onboard. Follow the ship’s guidelines for waste disposal and conservation, and avoid damaging the environment during shore excursions.
Budget for additional expenses:
While many onboard amenities are included in the cost of the cruise, there are often additional expenses such as alcohol, speciality dining, and shore excursions. Be sure to budget for these expenses in advance to avoid any surprises.
Conclusion:
Cruising is a popular and growing industry in Australia, offering the opportunity to see some of the country’s most stunning and unique destinations. With a range of cruise lines and itineraries to choose from, as well as a variety of onboard amenities and shore excursions, there is something for everyone in the world of ship cruising. By following the tips outlined in this guide and doing your research in advance, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable cruising experience in Australia.
