Calls for cruise industry reform gather momentum as expiration on free port access looms
![Sydney, Australia - March 18, 2014: The Rhapsody of the Seas cruise ship, operated by Royal Caribbean International, reverses past the Sydney Opera House as it prepares to depart on a trip at sunset.](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
With a deadline looming for exemptions on free port access, calls for reform in the Australian cruise industry are gathering momentum.
This follows moves by P&O Cruises announcing its cessation of business and Virgin Voyages recent move to pull out of Australia. Carnival announced earlier this month it was scrapping the P&O brand after 90 years of cruising from Australia with Pacific Explorer to be retired in February.
Carnival scraps the P&O brand after 90 years of cruising from Australia
In February, Virgin Voyages announced it will not return to Australia and New Zealand for the 2024/25 summer season citing conflict in the Middle East as a reason.
In November last year, Cunard also announced it was pulling the pin on homeporting in its Australia- and Asia-based programs.
Cunard pulls pin on Australia and Asia based programmes from 2026
Adrian Tassone, better known as ‘Adrian the Cruise & Travel Guy’ runs a Sydney-based independent content platform and has taken it on himself to bring about change.
Tassone has launched two petitions in recent weeks.
“It all started with the P&O announcement of the shutdown, I think that kind of brought a lot of these issues to the forefront,” he told Travel Weekly.
“Things like the media attention that has been recently placed on port fees and the reduction in the capacity of cruise in our country going forward through the next two years or so of up to 30 per cent. So there are a few factors that kind of jumped out and started to concern me.”
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1718345160488.jpg)
Adrian Tassone. Source: LinkedIn
Last year, the Australian Government extended exemptions that enable cruise ships to sail freely between Australian ports. The exemptions are due to expire in December, something that reminded Tassone of the ‘helpless’ feelings in the industry at the mercy of the government during the pandemic.
“With that kind of feeling and emotion inside of me, I suppose I thought, ‘What could I do’,” Tassone continued. “I thought, let’s start a petition through government.
“I actually launched an e-petition, specifically dealing with the exemptions that have been provided to cruise lines under the Coastal Trading Act 2012.”
That petition – calling for a five-year extension to the exemption granted to cruise lines under S11 of the Coastal Trading Act 201 – has now been approved. Last week he also launched a change.org petition which has seen over 2,500 signatures in less than a week.
There will be major blowback for the consumer should cruise lines lose the ability to sail freely between Australian ports. Cruise capacity is currently projected to drop 30 per cent by 2026, meaning a likely hike in cost per cruise for every Australian cruiser of which there are around one million annually.
“Taking a cruise holiday is an easy affordable option and it has historically been and I’m concerned that it won’t be going forward,” Tassone continued.
“We need to make sure that those in power can create a framework that allows the cruise to properly thrive in this country as it should. We do have per capita one of the most saturated cruise market in terms of those of us that take a cruise, so we love cruise and we need the government policy to reflect that.”
To stay up to date on Adrian’s activity, you can follow him on Instagram HERE, or on YouTube.
The government petition can be found HERE and the Change.org petition can be found HERE.
Latest News
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Chief executive officer Dave Baswal to depart Ovolo Hotels
Ovolo hotels have announced the departure of chief executive officer Dave Baswal from his role, effective from the end of September. Baswal first joined the company in 2016, initially as director of finance & operations Australia, progressing through roles including COO and CFO, managing director, and ultimately assuming the CEO position in 2022. During his […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Amadeus introduces AI technology to modernise hotel business
Travel technology provider Amadeus has partnered with Microsoft to bring the power or AI to simplify hoteliers’ ability to search and understand business intelligence. Amadeus plans to incorporate Gen AI into an innovative new chatbot for its business intelligence suite, debuting with Agency360+. The chatbot is powered by the Azure OpenAI Service and builds on […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
SA’s almost-complete Monarto Safari Park on the market for $50m
The nearly finished luxury hotel and glamping resort inside Monarto Safari Park in South Australia has been put up for sale Jayco caravan founder Gerry Ryan with an asking price of $50 million-plus. The Australian Financial Review reports Ryan acquired the 65.66ha site, in the Murraylands region 70km from Adelaide, from Zoos South Australia in […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Avis and South African Airways announce partnership after relaunch of flights to Perth
Car rental company Avis has announced a partnership with South African Airways (SAA) following the relaunch of its Perth to Johannesburg route after a four-year hiatus. “Avis is proud to partner with SAA to provide an integrated travel experience that ensures our customers receive the highest standard of service both in the air, and on […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Novotel and ibis Styles Melbourne Airport officially open
Novotel and ibis Styles Melbourne Airport were officially opened today, the largest hotel opening in Australia for 2024 so far. Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus, Accor Pacific COO Adrian Williams and Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements were joined by more than 120 people, including key industry stakeholders, for the official ribbon cutting and launch of […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Crystal signs memorandum of agreement with Fincantieri
Luxury cruise experience leader, Crystal, has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Fincantieri to construct two new, groundbreaking ships. The planned 690-passenger (based on double occupancy), 61,800-gross tonne ship will feature a host of amenities and innovative designs that ensure unparalleled comfort and indulgence for guests. Ship designs will be led by architectural firms, Studio […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
New Zealand and Japan named top destinations for Aussie nomads
No word yet as to whether Japan and New Zealand have rated Aussies as their favourite guests.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Windstar Cruises’ 17-night Tahiti Treasures and Marquesas Marvels package
Tahiti looks nice! James, Tahiti! For those of you old enough to remember the ad and rich enough to have a private jet.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
From authority to authenticity: why 39% of Aussies are finding travel brands “too generic”
There is a lot of talk on authenticity, but can any of us agree on what it actually means?
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Seabourn Pursuit’s historic naming ceremony with Indigenous godparents at Ngula Jar Island
Given a culture tens of thousands of years old, we at Travel Weekly say this Indig deal is well overdue.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Qantas begins $20m ‘ghost flight’ pay out following ACCC agreement
Hudson is still cleaning up Joyce's mess... Well, she may have had something to do with it herself, actually.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
First Qantaslink A220 touches down in Tasmania, coinciding with plans for new Hobart airport lounge
New A220, new lounge? Only problem is you have to justify a work trip to Tassie.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Virgin Australia’s one million mid-year fare sale from just $49
You can now buy an airplane ticket for less than the cost of an Avocado Toast in Sydney.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Copenhagen’s Bryggen Guldsmeden leads the way in sustainable, luxury hospitality
It's one thing to say you're sustainable and another to actually do it! Bryggen Guldsmeden lives and breathes it.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Deadly coach crash renews call for better national safety standards
Bus crashes continue to take their toll, and these types of tragedies have been taking place for far too long.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Boeing to be charged with criminal fraud by US Justice Department
'If it's not Boeing I'm not going', they used to say... Boeing might need a new slogan writer when the dust settles.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Perth’s Kings Park and Botanic Garden claims the title of Australia’s top attraction
Perth visitors pick Kings Park as Australia's top attraction? Surely quokkas must count in there somewhere.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
AmaWaterways open 2026 cruise reservations
Aussies are jumping onboard the fly cruise trend. Literally. Expect Strine to cut the air from Africa to Egypt.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Slovenia searches soar to new heights off the back of Euro football tournament
If they go on to win the tournament we are sure there'll be a few snap decisions to get on a plane and join the party!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Gold Coast Airport marks major milestone in domestic expansion
Gold Coast Airport undergoes a $17 million refurbishment of its old international area to expand domestic capabilities following the shift of international services to a new terminal. The airport’s new domestic lounge has just opened, marking a milestone in the terminal’s ongoing transformation. With various refurbishments coming in the following weeks, including new flooring, improved […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Tahiti Tourisme gets behind Gauguin’s World exhibit at National Gallery, Canberra
Tahiti Tourisme is supporting the Gauguin’s World: Tōna Iho, Tōna Ao exhibition which was launched at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra yesterday, 27 June, attended by the Vice President of Tahiti, Eliane Tevahitua, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attending the festivities. The exhibition, open to the public from tomorrow, 29 June to 7 […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Park Trek Walking Holidays adds famous Larapinta trail to portfolio
Does a small group walking tour mean small groups walking or small people walking in a group? Time to clarify.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Amsterdam to phase out cruise ships from the city centre within the decade
There are fumes and there a 'fumes'. Amsterdam is a city of many, apparently some more acceptable than others.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
All you need to know about White Bay Cruise Terminal
Here is everything you need to know about White Bay Cruise Terminal, one of two dedicated cruise passenger terminals in Sydney Harbour. Entering the cruise terminal The terminal is located at James Craig Rd, Rozelle, with easy road access via The Crescent / James Craig Road. Pedestrians and cyclists are allowed to enter the terminal […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Cathay Pacific to relaunch Hong Kong to Cairns in December
Given the amount press shots like this in the Cairns Airport we've seen lately, things must be busy in the office!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Topdeck’s mammoth Europe Winter promotion
Pack your gloves for this European winter holiday, but you'll have to take them off if you want to tap the app. Damn.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
More than half (53%) of LGBTQIA+ travellers have experienced discrimination whilst travelling
If you needed proof that the world still needs pride events, this is it.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Intrepid’s new 12 page handbook designed to help agents sell sustainable travel
We've even got the link! You didn't think we'd make you go searching for it, did you?
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
SeaLink Whitsunday’s Red Cat Adventures and Whitsunday Jetski Tours
This article reminds us that it is too easy to overlook the magic of Australia's own destinations.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Quad biking safety questioned after 21-year-old suffers horrific injuries
She'll be picking gravel out of her face for a long while yet. We know! Hard lesson to learn.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Saudi Arabia hosts film night at the Sydney Opera House
It is very unfortunate Saudi Arabia had their cinemas shut for 30 years, however they did at least miss Vanilla Sky.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Rex kicks off new flights from Perth to Adelaide, Melbourne
Swap the quokkas of WA for the churches of Adelaide or the trams of Melbourne. Can you tell we love a travel cliché?
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Fiji Airways partners with American to offer guests access to AAdvantage rewards program
Book a flight with Fiji Airways and build up your airmiles for a trip to the States, sounds like a win win to us.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Hurtigruten first cruise line to plug into Reykjavik’s new shore power
Things are getting pretty green with Hurtigruten in Iceland, which is amazing considering how cold it is half the year.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Thai Airways expands technology partnership with Amadeus
This might be the moodiest airline photo we have ever seen. Was Thai Airways going through an emo stage?
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Incredible landscape series with images taken from a Cessna 182 called Valerie
Unlike Google maps, there is nothing weird going on here. So don't even try to zoom in.