Australia’s Cruise Season Wraps Up: A Look Back at Key Moments, New Arrivals, and Shifting Trends

The Australian cruise season is drawing to a close, with the departure of Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas from Sydney marking the end of the peak "wave season" and the transition into the quieter winter sailings. This season saw a robust presence of 63 ships gracing Australia’s shores, reinforcing the nation’s status as a significant global cruise market. The period was characterized by the arrival of exciting new vessels, strategic fleet adjustments by major operators, the farewell of a beloved Disney ship, and a notable increase in luxury and expedition offerings.

Reflecting on the just-concluded season, a comprehensive review of key events highlights the dynamic nature of the Australian cruise landscape. From record-breaking passenger numbers and surprising ship popularity to significant fleet changes and the ongoing resurgence of neighbouring cruise markets, this season has offered a compelling snapshot of the industry’s trajectory.

A Record-Breaking Season Amidst Shifting Tides

The 2025/2026 Australian cruise season concluded with a total of 63 ships visiting the continent, a testament to Australia’s enduring appeal as a premier cruise destination. While capacity saw a slight decrease compared to the preceding 2024/25 season, the overall sentiment within the industry and among passengers remained overwhelmingly positive. The visual spectacle of diverse cruise liners traversing iconic waterways like Sydney Harbour and the milestone of the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal welcoming its 500th vessel underscored the season’s success.

This season was marked by several significant arrivals, including Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas and Princess Cruises’ Discovery Princess, both of which made their Australian debut. These introductions brought cutting-edge amenities and contemporary cruising experiences to local waters. Simultaneously, the cruise landscape saw consolidation and change, most notably with Carnival Australia’s integration of its former P&O Australia fleet. The season also bid a temporary farewell to Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wonder, a move that has sparked considerable discussion among cruise enthusiasts. Furthermore, there was a discernible increase in the presence of upscale luxury and expedition cruise lines, catering to a growing segment of discerning travellers.

However, the season was not without its challenges. Local expedition operator Coral Expeditions faced a double blow, first with a tragic incident involving a passenger and subsequently with a grounding incident, underscoring the inherent risks associated with maritime operations.

Crown Princess: An Unforeseen Star Performer

In a surprising turn of events, Princess Cruises’ Crown Princess emerged as one of the most sought-after vessels of the season, not only within Australia but also on a global scale. The ship achieved near sell-out status for its entire Australian itinerary, a remarkable feat that highlights a strong demand for sailings from a variety of Australian ports. Cities such as Adelaide, Hobart, and Melbourne, which sometimes experience a perceived scarcity of cruise options, saw their available sailings snapped up with unprecedented speed.

Even with the introduction of the newer Discovery Princess, Crown Princess maintained its position as the most popular Princess ship in the Australian market, with approximately 90% of its October 2025 to April 2026 itineraries booked. This exceptional performance underscores the enduring appeal of well-established ships and their ability to connect with specific passenger preferences. While Crown Princess will soon depart for other markets, Australian cruisers can anticipate the arrival of Grand Princess and Royal Princess in the upcoming season, promising continued opportunities for Princess Cruises enthusiasts.

Carnival’s Fleet Integration: The Carnival Encounter Dry Dock

A significant development that captured industry attention was the highly anticipated dry dock of Carnival Encounter. This refit was viewed as a crucial indicator of Carnival Australia’s medium-term strategy for its fleet, particularly following the acquisition and rebranding of former P&O Australia vessels. While some anticipated substantial transformations, the reality of the dry dock revealed more modest changes. The primary focus was on subtle enhancements to onboard venues and essential ship maintenance, rather than a complete overhaul.

The Carnival Encounter and its sister ship, Carnival Adventure, continue to be polarising vessels within the cruising community. Despite this, they maintain a dedicated following and remain instrumental in providing holiday options for a substantial number of Australian travellers each week. The minimal changes suggest a strategy of incremental improvements rather than a radical redesign, aiming to leverage the existing strengths of these ships while catering to evolving passenger expectations.

Anthem of the Seas’ Inaugural Season: A Promising Debut with a Minor Setback

Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas commenced its maiden season in Australia, sailing from Sydney. As a contemporary vessel within Royal Caribbean’s fleet, it shares similarities with popular sister ships like Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas, yet it also brings its distinct features and personality. The ship proved to be a popular choice for passengers during its inaugural season, attracting considerable interest.

However, the season was not without its operational challenges. Anthem of the Seas experienced a notable technical issue with one of its engines, leading to the cancellation of a scheduled 10-day cruise to New Zealand. The ship diverted to Eden, New South Wales, where repairs were successfully completed, allowing it to resume its planned itineraries. This incident, while disruptive, highlights the complexities of operating large cruise vessels and the industry’s capacity to manage and resolve technical difficulties.

New Zealand’s Cruise Resurgence: A Strategic Comeback

Across the Tasman Sea, New Zealand has demonstrated a focused and revitalized approach to its cruise strategy, garnering significant attention. Following collaborative efforts between the local cruise industry and the federal government to develop a comprehensive cruise plan, New Zealand has made substantial strides in recovering and enhancing its cruise traffic, which had experienced a decline in recent years.

Key initiatives have included attracting Carnival Adventure for home-ported sailings, successfully navigating potential bans on cruising in Milford Sound, and announcing the development of a new international cruise terminal. These strategic moves, implemented since the formalization of their cruise strategy, signal a strong commitment to rebuilding the sector. Furthermore, this season saw an uplift in volunteer and welcoming efforts directed towards cruise passengers. Reports from travellers, including those from Cruise Passenger, indicated an increasingly hospitable reception from New Zealanders, fostering a more positive and engaging cruising experience.

Discovery Princess: A Glimpse of Modern Cruising

The arrival of Discovery Princess in Australian waters was met with considerable excitement for several reasons. It represented the introduction of a new vessel to the local market, and importantly, it was one of the most contemporary ships to grace Australian shores, having entered service only in 2022. Coinciding with its fourth birthday during its time in Australian waters, onboard celebrations added a festive atmosphere.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding its presence, Discovery Princess’s deployment in Australia was relatively brief, lasting only a few months. Nevertheless, numerous passengers reported positive experiences, appreciating the opportunity to explore one of Princess Cruises’ newer offerings. The hope among cruise enthusiasts is for the return of Discovery Princess or similar modern vessels in future seasons.

Farewell to Disney Wonder: Shifting Market Dynamics

The 2025/2026 season marked the end of an era, at least for the foreseeable future, with Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wonder departing Australian shores. The ship is slated to reposition for sailings in the United States. Industry analysis suggests that the premium pricing associated with Disney cruises may have presented a barrier for some Australian consumers, leading to a recalibration of demand.

This departure coincides with the launch of the larger Disney Adventure vessel from Singapore, offering an alternative for Australian travellers still keen to experience a Disney cruise. While the absence of Disney’s distinctive ships will be felt in the coming seasons, Disney Cruise Line has not entirely ruled out future deployments in the Australian market, leaving a possibility for their return.

A Surprising Carnival Fleet Shift

In a significant announcement that sent ripples through the industry, Carnival revealed that Carnival Adventure would split its operational year between the USA and Australia starting in 2028. This decision was met with surprise, particularly given the ship’s design, which is rooted in its former P&O Australia identity, suggesting a strong Australian connection.

This strategic shift represents another challenge for the Australian cruise sector, which has seen a pattern of ships reducing or withdrawing their services from the region. Following this announcement, Carnival Splendor and Carnival Encounter will remain as the sole year-round cruise ships based in Australia. The long-term commitment of Carnival Adventure to the Australian market beyond 2028 now faces considerable uncertainty.

The Ascendancy of Luxury and Expedition Cruising

Beyond the mainstream cruise offerings, Australia continues to solidify its appeal for smaller, more exclusive luxury and expedition cruise lines. The presence of lines such as Oceania Cruises and Azamara has seen a notable increase in their regional deployments. Additionally, visits from established luxury brands like Silversea, Seabourn, Crystal Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, and Scenic have become more frequent.

While many of these luxury offerings command a higher price point than traditional cruises, certain lines, including Oceania and Azamara, can provide surprisingly competitive fares with more comprehensive inclusions. The season’s highlights included multiple visits from Silversea ships, the presence of Seven Seas Mariner as part of its world cruise, and the re-establishment of Crystal Cruises’ presence in the Australian market. This growing trend indicates a maturing cruise market in Australia, with a segment of travellers seeking more immersive and personalized travel experiences.