WITH Jill Abel, CEO, Australian Cruise Association.
As another wave season draws
to a close, it is interesting to reflect
on the highlights and look ahead.
In the last few months we
welcomed Ovation of the Seas, the
largest ship ever to visit Australia
and Seabourn Encore, that line’s
newest ultra-luxury addition.
We have seen more visits to
regional ports such as Eden and
Mooloolaba and increasing southern
Australian itineraries to ports such
as Esperance, Kangaroo Island, and
Burnie balancing the more traversed
routes up the eastern seaboard.
Expedition cruising has become
increasingly popular as passengers
show more interest in visiting
destinations such as the Tiwi Islands
or Thursday Island.
Recognising the importance of
the luxury market to Australia,
Crystal Cruises opened an
office in Sydney and Azamara’s
“azamazing” evenings continued
to delight passengers with cultural
performances and bespoke events.
Looking ahead we are excited for
the first ever P&O winter sailing to
Tasmania visiting Dark MOFO.
Debut visits are also on the
horizon – NCL’s Norwegian Jewel will
be based in the region from October
2017. Viking Ocean Cruises will
enter the Australian market in 2018
and Majestic Princess will homeport
in Australia from September 2018.
Further into the future, MSC
Cruises will return to Australia with
the Magnifica in early 2019.
Our region continues to deliver
as a cruise destination and we are
excited about the opportunities
to support the cruise lines as they
develop new itineraries and bring
new ships to our shore.
