visit raa.com.au
The first ship of the season docks at Outer Harbor on Tuesday 13 October, marking the start of a season that will run through to May 2027.
Research from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) show a record 1.45 million Australians took a cruise in 2025 – a 9.5% jump on the previous year and enough to make Australia the world’s fourth-largest cruise market.
The CLIA report shows more than one in 20 Australians cruised last year – a new record.
RAA Travel General Manager Gina Norman said the appetite for cruising was growing, even as fewer ships sailed directly from Adelaide.
“Cruising has never been more popular with South Australians and it’s easy to see why – you unpack once, wake up somewhere new, and everything from meals to entertainment is taken care of,” Ms Norman said.
“For South Australians keen to cruise, whether that’s a short trip to New Zealand or a longer journey through Europe or Asia, now is a great time to start planning and take advantage of early booking offers.”
Despite this strong appetite for cruising, fewer ships are visiting South Australia this season, with Port Adelaide set to welcome around 20 cruise ship visits, down from 29 in 2025-26.
Across the whole of SA there will be approximately 40 cruise ships this season, compared with 56 visits last season.
“While it’s disappointing to see the local fleet shrink in recent years, there are still some incredible options, especially for those who book early or are willing to look further afield,” Ms Norman said.
“High port charges, fees and fuel costs mean cruise lines are continuing to consolidate their itineraries, and that’s meant fewer options sailing directly out of Adelaide but we’re hopeful this trend can be reversed in the coming years.
“For South Australians keen to plan ahead, bookings are already open for the 2027-28 Australian cruise season, with itineraries departing directly from Adelaide.”
For more information or to book a cruise with RAA Travel, visit Book a cruise – Ocean, river and expedition cruising – RAA Travel
The changes follow the Reserve Bank of Australia’s move to ban card payment surcharges, which…
RAA Travel booking data shows many South Australians are being drawn to closer-to-home holidays this…
RAA Travel data reveals ‘close-to-home’ travel grew 15% across last year, with many South Australian…