Demand continues to surge for Asian cruises

Demand for international cruising continues to surge, new data reveals. 

Cruise Guru, CLIA’s 2024 Online Cruise Agency of the Year, has revealed a significant shift in consumer interest towards international cruising, with Q1 2025 data showing a 19% surge in searches for international cruises compared to the same period last year. 

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world's largest cruise industry association.

Cruise Guru said destination-specific searches jumped by 22.08% with Asian countries such as Japan, South Korea, China and other south-east Asian destinations among the top regions searched in Q1 2025.

Asia emerged as the top region of interest with 22% selecting it as their preferred destination, surpassing traditional hotspots. 

“We are witnessing a clear shift in the way Australians are searching for cruises with our data showing a rising appetite for international itineraries, particularly in Asia," said Michael Betteridge, Chief Commercial & Operations Officer at Cruise Guru.

"Asia is an easy choice as it combines value, closer-to-home convenience and a sense of discovery as travellers seek new horizons beyond the traditional Mediterranean and South Pacific routes.”

Australia’s domestic cruising capacity has declined about 30% in recent years with changes expected to be felt in the coming seasons. Several cruise lines have adjusted their schedules or withdrawn ships from the region, creating a gap that’s prompting Australian travellers to look further afield.

Contact 13 13 03 or visit www.cruiseguru.com.au.

Cruise ships get a thumbs up from New Zealand

While many destinations around the world are banning or restricting cruise ships the New Zealand government announced they will be permitted to continue sailing Milford Sound.

The decision came after calls to block cruise ships.

Government officials say they have struck a balance by allowing cruise tourism in Milford Sound Piopiotahi while funding $NZ15.2 million for infrastructure improvements and conservation.

“We are supporting the local economy and providing certainty for operators by enabling cruise ships and aircraft to continue to access the fjord,” said New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston.

Cruises are already restricted in the Sound and no more than two ships can visit per day.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) welcomed the decision.

“Milford Sound Piopiotahi is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural assets and the international cruise industry is strongly committed to protecting it,” the CLIA said.

“The cruise industry will continue to work closely with New Zealand authorities to ensure the appropriate management of cruise tourism.”

All visiting cruise ships must sign a deed of agreement with Environment Southland for managed access to the Southland coast.

Cruise industry carries on carping

Despite many Covid-19 cases being traced back to infections on the Ruby Princess, the cruise industry continues to snipe at Australian authorities.

The Cruise Lines International Association is unhappy that the Australian Government has announced the reopening of international borders next month but given no date for cruise ships to resume sailing from Australian ports.

It says that presents the "absurd" position of Australians being able to fly overseas to go cruising but still being unable to sail from a home port, Travel Mole reported.

CLIA Managing Director Australasia Joel Katz said the announcement on the opening of international travel was welcome news for many parts of the Australian travel industry, but a lack of government action on cruising meant the jobs of more than 18,000 Australians were still in doubt.

"Australia is now one of the only major cruise markets in the world with no clear plan for cruising's revival," Katz said.

"Australians love to cruise, but we now face the ridiculous possibility that we will be able to travel overseas to take a cruise but won't be able to sail in our own waters."

Katz said health protocols had allowed a successful resumption of cruising in dozens of countries overseas, where almost two million passengers had sailed since last year.

"We need detailed discussions with Australian governments so we can break the cycle of inaction and agree upon a detailed framework for cruising's resumption," Katz added.

"The health protocols introduced overseas are working and we need an opportunity to introduce them in Australia so we can plan a careful and responsible recovery."

CLIA and cruise line members have proposed a phased resumption of cruising in Australia beginning initially with limited domestic operations for local passengers only.