Cruise leaders put pressure on poor infrastructure
Last year was a record year for Australian cruising with 1,281,139 people taking to the seas. That’s a whole lotta cruising Aussies!
Speaking at CLIA’s Cruise Industry Source Market Report for 2016 launch, Chairman of CLIA and SVP & Managing Director Asia Pacific at Norwegian Cruise Line, Steve Odell, said this figure made Australia one of the highest growing cruise industries in the world.
“This number represented a 222,000 rise on 2015 or a 21 per cent rise year-on-year,” Odell said.
“Australia’s growth rate was the third highest globally.”
Odell explained that Australia also has the “world’s highest market penetration in 2016”, meaning 5.3 per cent of the Australian population took a cruise in 2016.
Odell added, “It was the only market worldwide to exceed four per cent. It was also the tenth straight year of double digit growth for Australia also.”
But Odell sounded a cautionary note, saying, “Asia and New Zealand are actively courting cruise passengers, while NSW still does not have a cruise strategy plan finalised.
“Despite these impressive results, in the years ahead the current momentum will be difficult to maintain without more berthing solutions for Sydney Harbour.”
Carnival Australia Executive Chairman Ann Sherry had a similar warning, adding, “In celebrating such stunning growth, there remains a cautionary tale.
“Future strong growth and economic performance can only be sustained if port infrastructure challenges particularly in Sydney are addressed.”
Commenting on the record breaking year for Aussie cruising, Royal Caribbean Cruises Managing Director Adam Armstrong said the figures reflect the massive range of choice travellers now have spread out in front of them.
“We are seeing a cruise market that is on a growth path quite unlike anything that’s been seen in the world, outside of China,” Armstrong said.
“The question everybody wants to understand is just how much potential growth there is for this market.
“I believe the only impediment to reaching our target of two million Australian cruisers by 2020 is port infrastructure. Sydney is already full. We need to upgrade all of our ports to enable them to handle the largest of the world’s cruise ships.
RCL Cruises – incorporating big ship cruise lines Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises as well as boutique line Azamara Club Cruises – added two ships to its locally based fleet in 2016, including Ovation of the Seas, the country’s largest and most modern megaliner, and carried over 20 per cent more Australian guests compared to 2015.
Royal Caribbean is now the single largest cruise line sailing in Australia during the summer cruise season, operating the three largest ships based down under; Ovation of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas.
However, Armstrong stressed, “We are now at the crossroads of the future of cruising in Australia”.
RCL earlier this month announced Voyager of the Seas will not return to Australia for the 18/19 cruise season, and that’s largely due to infrastructure issues.
“In order to continue to capitalise on the very significant economic benefits that cruising brings, the government and people of Australia, particularly NSW, now have the opportunity to review the berthing capacity for big ships in Sydney, east of the Harbour Bridge,” Armstrong said.
Together with Radiance of the Seas, Legend of the Seas, Celebrity Solstice and Azamara Quest, it’s estimated that RCL Cruises’ guests from Australia and overseas injected more than $200 million into the national economy in passenger spend alone.
Additionally, Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas made the industry’s maiden cruise ship call to Port Kembla, marking the start of a new tourism era for Wollongong and the Illawarra.
Latest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!