Australians are taking a new approach to cruise holidays.
New data from Cruise Guru reveals Aussies are booking bigger cabins, planning ahead and prioritising value.
The new booking data released by Cruise Guru, one of Australia’s leading cruise specialists, has revealed major shifts in how cruise holidays are being planning and purchased.
There is record demand for balcony cabins, signals that customers are planning further ahead and a renewed appetite for value-adds.
Australians are continuing to book up, with balcony cabins now the most popular choice across all the major cruise lines.
Cruise Guru booking data shows 48% of travellers booked balcony cabins and 11% booked suites in 2025, while inside cabin bookings were down across some cruise lines.
Cruise Guru CCO Michael Betteridge says this reflects a “quality over quantity” mindset.
“Aussies tend to love the fun and excitement of cruising but also want their own private sanctuary, views and the comfort that upgraded cabins offer," Betteridge says.
"They see cruising as the best of both worlds and they’re willing to invest in that experience.”
Cruise Guru’s data shows a shift toward value-bundled fares.
“What we’re seeing is a shift from reactive buying to intentional planning," Betteridge says. "Customers are weighing total trip value, not just the headline price. Bundled inclusions succeed because they reduce decision fatigue and give travellers a sense of financial control over a trip that might be a year or more away.”
Forward planning is also popular with an average lead time overall of around nine months.
“While we have seen last-minute cruising demand, many itineraries are filled already," Cruise Guru reported.
"We can see our Aussie clients planning more strategically. The desire to secure the right ship, the right itinerary, and the right cabin is pushing bookings further out. Customers have learned that waiting may mean missing out.”
Contact 13 13 03 to learn more or visit www.cruiseguru.com.au.
Image: Giuseppe Anello, Scop.io
