Sydney’s winter cruise season set to double

While the weather may be cooling, the winter season for cruise is heating up with twice as many ships as last year set to sail into Sydney in the offseason, springboarding off the back of a sizzling summer of cruise in NSW.

Port Authority of NSW CEO Captain Philip Holliday said the cruise revival is well underway, with one million passengers expected to pass through Sydney cruise terminals in the 2022-23 financial year.

“NSW claimed $3.3 billion out of Australia’s $5 billion a year cruise industry before the pandemic and it is bouncing back with visitation rates in NSW steadily approaching pre-pandemic figures – much faster than expected.

“With the summer cruise season set to close on 30 April, it will see a total of 286 cruise ships call into New South Wales ports, bringing approximately 600,000 passengers. 

"Cruise has also really supported NSW’s regional communities too, with 34 ships visiting Eden alone bringing over 50,000 passengers and injecting over $13.7 million into the local economy.

“The traditional summer cruise season runs from October to April and with 66 cruise ships scheduled to sail into Sydney Harbour over winter the economic benefits will keep flowing to NSW.”

The winter cruise season has been buoyed by Sydney being the home port for vessels Pacific Adventure and Carnival Splendor.

“The benefits from this home port are felt from the restaurants, local tourism industries and operators right through the supply chain,” Captain Holliday said.

Carnival Australia and P&O Cruises Australia President Marguerite Fitzgerald said with over fifty cruises available on the best loved ships, now is the ideal time to beat the cold weather and upcoming winter season.

“Our 2024 cruises are already selling out fast as more and more of our guests are choosing to sail away to better weather over the coming months,” Ms Fitzgerald said.

“We offer an incredible experience from dining to entertainment, there is really something for everyone on board one of our ships.

“From the warm waters in our state-of-the-art pools and oasis-style decks, we are seeing a huge rush in bookings from every corner of Australia.”

Ms Fitzgerald said her advice to many considering a winter getaway is to get in quick and book a holiday on board today.

“With so many specials available online right now such as P&O’s Pacific Adventure, Pacific Encounter and Pacific Explorer ‘buy 2, get 2 free’ offer making it even easier to visit the Pacific or take a short break to discover the magic of Tangalooma; Carnival Splendor bringing the fun with Grinchmas in July celebrations; and Coral Princess taking off on her around the world odyssey - don’t miss out on enjoying the sun this winter.”

To learn more about the schedule for visiting ships, visit Port Authority's Cruise Schedule.

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