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Demand for cruising among South Australians is skyrocketing, with cruise sales up by almost 200% on pre-COVID levels last financial year at RAA Travel.
The latest figures show cruise sales jumped by 79% in the 2023-24 financial year – making them a whopping 198% above 2019 levels, as travellers seek a cost-effective and convenient travel option.
“Cruising is one of, if not the fastest growing category of travel right now,” RAA Travel General Manager Gina Norman said.
“Travellers love it because it’s incredible value and all the organising is done for you, making it a brilliant way to relax – like you should be while you’re on holiday!
“It’s not just the traditional demographic either – we’re increasingly seeing young groups and couples book a cruise to celebrate a milestone like a 21st or anniversary, or just to get away together and hang out.”
The new data comes after concerns from RAA Travel that Adelaide’s cruise offering may be impacted by an increase in port fees on the eastern seaboard, including a 15% hike in Victoria, potentially making it a less attractive option for cruise lines.
Citing an increase in regulatory costs, Carnival Cruise Line-owned P&O recently announced the closure of its Australian brand and retirement of the iconic Pacific Explorer, which had eight sailings to Adelaide last season.
Princess Cruises and Cunard, both owned by Carnival, have also announced they will either no longer sail or reduce sailings from Melbourne from the 2025-26 season.
“Last year, the cruise industry generated $215 million for the South Australian economy and supported more than 700 local jobs,” Ms Norman said.
“The economic reach of the cruise industry spreads well into our regions, beyond just the metropolitan area, benefitting so many hospitality businesses and tourism operators.
“At RAA Travel we think South Australia has an opportunity to elevate our state as a viable inclusion for cruise lines – by investing in our cruise infrastructure and collaborating with other states.
“We’ve previously canvassed upgrading the Outer Harbor train station and, long term, providing sustainable shoreside power for ships, which would be a gamechanger for cruise lines.”
RAA Travel has previously advocated for more investment at the Port Adelaide Passenger Terminal (Outer Harbor), and other priorities including: