Aussies taking cruise holidays topped 1.4 million last year according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), a rise of almost 10 per cent on the previous year.
Figures released in CLIA’s annual Source Market Report today show a 9.5 per cent increase from 2024, marking a new record for the cruise sector.
Australia remains the world’s fourth largest cruise market, behind the United States (20.56 million), Germany (2.83 million) and the United Kingdom (2.47 million).
CLIA executive director for Australasia Joel Katz said cruise line innovations and a strong focus on value were driving Australia’s enthusiasm.
“The number of Australians cruising is at record levels, and with around 80 new ships coming online worldwide over the next decade, this passion can only rise,” he said.
Overseas itineraries saw a 17 per cent uptick, with a total of 286,000 Australians cruising out of area in 2025.
Close to home cruising remains strong, with most Aussies preferring to sail within Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
Despite this desire to stay local, CLIA says the number of ships sailing in the region has declined due to regulatory uncertainties and rising costs.
The number of overseas visitors who cruised in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific was 241,000 during 2025, compared to a total of 37.2 million passengers who took an ocean cruise globally.
Katz says that steps need to be taken to allow Australia to become a competitive cruise destination.
“Australia is struggling to attract ships to our own waters because of regulatory uncertainties and rising costs, so we are becoming uncompetitive as a destination and losing tourism to other countries,” he said.
“Cruising contributes $7.32 billion a year to the national economy and supports more than 22,000 Australian jobs, so it’s vital that we bring together Federal, State and Territory governments under a national action plan.”
Cruise lines are also resonating with a younger crowd, driving the average age of Australian cruise passengers down from 48.8 years in 2024 to 47.3 years in 2025.
Carnival summer wrap
Carnival Corporation was among those that enjoyed a bumper 25/26 summer season. Among its eight cruise lines, 17 ships made 450 port calls with 600,000 guests on board.
“Carnival Corporation & plc is the cruise industry leader because we’ve spent decades focused on building trust with Australian guests and trade partners,” Carnival Corporation & plc country manager Peter Little, said.
“From ultra luxury voyages to family friendly ships, we are committed to delivering unforgettable holidays in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.”
Highlights from the CLIA Australian Ocean Source Market report 2025
