Australian cruise industry urges national action as economic output falls

Cruising contributed $7.3 billion to the Australian economy and supported more than 22,000 jobs in 2024-25, according to the report. Economic output fell by $1.1 billion, or 13.2%, compared with the previous year. A 30% decline in Australian cruise suites and cabins had been reported more than two years earlier.

Cruise Lines International Association president and CEO Charles Darr said cruising was expanding globally as billions of dollars were invested in new ships and shipyards remained effectively full for years, while Australia was moving backwards. The report said global ocean cruising reached 37.2 million passengers in 2025.

A record 1.45 million Australians cruised during the previous year, according to the report. It also said Australians were increasingly flying to Asia, Europe, Alaska and the Caribbean to board cruises.

CLIA Australasia managing director Joel Katz called for a national approach, with the federal government working alongside state and territory governments to establish settings that attract ships. Australian Tourism and Trade Minister Don Farrell confirmed he would discuss cruising with New Zealand Tourism Minister Louise Upston during his September visit to New Zealand.

Cruise360 was scheduled for September 17 and 18 at ICC Sydney. Described as the Southern Hemisphere’s largest cruise conference, the event was set to bring together travel advisers, cruise executives, ports and destinations.