Countdown on to cruise season, with 62 ships heading Down Under

Australia’s cruise season is about to kick off with 62 international ships heading down under.
And Australian cruisers are among the most dedicated in the world, according to research.
“Australia has always been one of the world’s most passionate cruise markets, and this enthusiasm continues,” Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Managing Director in Australasia, Joel Katz, said.
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“Of Australian travellers who have cruised previously, 77 per cent say they will cruise again.
And there’s plenty of new ships sailing here for the first time from the 25 companies involved.
Among newcomers to the Australian cruise scene this year will be Silversea’s Silver Nova, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sun and Cunard’s Queen Anne which will make their maiden visits in November, December and February respectively.
However, it’s set to be a sad season for many cruise fans.
P&O Cruises Australia will embark on its final season, offering over 80 sailings from Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth.
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In March 2025, Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter will join the Carnival Cruise fleet, sailing year-round from Sydney and Brisbane as Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter.
Other highlights of the new season include Carnival Luminosa heading to home port in Brisbane from November.
Carnival Splendor is based year-round in Sydney.
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Viking Venus will be sailing in Australian waters for the first time during the 2024/25 sailing season.
Arriving in December 2024, she will first sail from Sydney to Auckland on December 23 on the 15-day Australia & New Zealand voyage.
Celebrity Edge returns from from 22 October, sailing from Sydney and Auckland for six months.
Disney Cruise Line is returning for a second season of cruises from October 2024 to February 2025, including Christmas cruises.
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Holland America Line’s Westerdam arrives in Sydney on 17 November for a summer taking guests around Australia and New Zealand.
MSC Cruises’ MSC Magnifica will head Down Under to enjoy an extended tour of New Zealand and Australia from March.
Princess Cruises has Royal Princess returning to Sydney for her second homeport season and she will be joined by Crown Princess and Diamond Princess.
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Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sun will make her Australian debut this summer, arriving in Brisbane on 18 December.
Plus Royal Caribbean is bringing Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas for fan-favourite itineraries and more weekend sailings.
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