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A massive 1.4 million Australians hit the high seas for a cruising holiday in 2025. That’s almost neck-and-neck with the 1.5 million Aussies who jet off to Bali each year, and more than double the entire population of Tasmania setting sail all at once. Wild!
These figures come from the latest State of the Cruise Industry Report, which compiles data from all the world’s biggest passenger fleets. All up, a staggering 37.2 million people boarded a ship in 2025, which is a 7.5 per cent jump from 2024, a 42 per cent spike from 2015 and more than triple the figures from 20 years ago.
Down Under, the appetite for cruising is at an all-time high, with one in 20 Aussies (1.4 million) saying bon voyage in 2025. That marks a 9.5 per cent increase from 2024, finally overtaking the previous record set back in 2018, just before the pandemic put the industry on pause.
While our tally might look modest compared to the global record of 37.2 million passengers, Australia is punching above its weight as the fourth-largest cruise market on the planet. It’s docked only behind the United States (20.6 million), Germany (2.5 million), and the UK plus Ireland (2.5 million) – all nations with far greater populations.
Holidaying at sea has long been regarded as something reserved for retirees, but the latest data proves it’s becoming more popular with younger generations. The average global cruiser age is 47.3 years, with more than a third of Aussie cruisers now under the age of 40.
When it comes to the itinerary, 7.5 days is the sweet spot for travellers, with just over 80 per cent setting sail close to home in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. This ranks Australasia as the seventh-most popular destination region globally, with the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda circuits topping the list.
Those who couldn’t think of anything worse than being stuck on a ship for days on end are likely asking: why? Well, we can tell you exactly that. The most popular reason for booking a cruise was the convenience of visiting multiple destinations in the one trip. Close behind was value for money, high safety levels compared to land-based holidays and compelling entertainment options. Approximately 90 per cent said they’d go cruising again, marking the highest repeat-intent rate in history. On top of that, more than three-quarters of non-cruisers said they’d be open to taking their first voyage, a 55.3 per cent spike from five years ago. Will you be jumping on board this year?