Summer cruising season gears up
The summer cruise season is underway for travellers holidaying around Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
AUSTRALIA’S cruise industry is heading into a busy 2024-25 summer with 62 cruise ships visiting dozens of destinations around the country as well as New Zealand and the Pacific.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) managing director in Australasia Joel Katz said the number of ships is slightly down on the 70 that cruised locally last year, but many are staying longer and making more port calls.
Among new ships to Australian waters this year are Silversea’s Silver Nova, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sun and Cunard’s Queen Anne.
“Australia has always been one of the world’s most passionate cruise markets and this enthusiasm continues,” Katz said, noting that the summer cruise season started in October and extends to April.
Silversea’s revolutionary new Nova Class ship, Silver Nova, sails a host of cruises to Australian and New Zealand ports, while Silver Muse is cruising in the region from December to March.
Cunard is celebrating a centenary of sailing with Queen Elizabeth based in Sydney, while the new luxury liner Queen Anne makes her maiden voyage to Australia in February as part of a world cruise.
Disney Cruise Line is back in Australian and New Zealand waters for a second season of cruises aboard Disney Wonder, delighting families of Disney fans. Holland America Line’s Westerdam arrives in Sydney this month for a season of cruising around Australia and New Zealand.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sun will sail a selection of 12-to-15-day voyages between Australia and New Zealand over summer.
Azamara Cruises has two ships cruising in the region – Azamara Pursuit and Azamara Onward – and they will make a grand combined entrance into Sydney Harbour on February 20.
Carnival Cruise Line has Carnival Luminosa based in Brisbane and Carnival Splendor based year-round in Sydney.
Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge is spending six months in the region while Celebrity Solstice also has some cruises.
Oceania Cruises has three ships cruising around Australia and New Zealand – Insignia, Regatta and Nautica.
Princess Cruises has a strong presence with Royal Princess, Diamond Princess and Crown Princess which is making her debut season in Australia.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises sees Seven Seas Explorer returning to Australia and New Zealand cruising, while Seven Seas Voyager visits in January.
Mega ships Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas from Royal Caribbean offer a large variety of cruises in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
Seabourn’s luxurious Seabourn Quest cruises in Australia and New Zealand. P&O Cruises Australia has its final summer season at sea with a variety of cruises from Australian ports.
In January, Paspaley Pearl by Ponant will embark on her inaugural season north of Australia before sailing in the Kimberley.
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