Ship happens and sometimes you just need to sail away. If you’ve been thinking about hitting cruise control on life and escaping to the sea, then you’re not alone. A recent study has found that one in four Aussies plan to go on a cruise in 2024, which is more than triple the numbers from last year.
On a per capita basis, Australia already holds the title of the world’s biggest cruisers, with up to five per cent catching a cruise each year. This year’s research from the Tourism and Transport Forum found that the number of Aussies who intend to cruise jumped from seven per cent in 2023 to 26 per cent in 2024.
If you think cruises are just a playground for the oldies, think again. The national survey of 2,000 Australians revealed that millennials and Gen Zers are the most ‘cruise curious’ (meaning they’ve never been on a cruise but are now considering it), with 35 per cent of Aussies aged under 35 planning to cruise this year. That’s compared to only 18 per cent of our country’s old folk aged over 65.
It’s pretty fitting that Virgin Voyages – Sir Richard Branson’s nautical but nice and ‘adult’s only’ cruise company – started voyaging from Australia last December. Decked out with Michelin-star restaurants, a multi-storey nightclub, SUP yoga sessions and 3am ShipEats delivery service, Lady Resilient is pretty much a Millennial’s dream.
North Queensland, known for its crystal clear waters and sparkly white sands, topped the list as the most sought-after cruise destination in Australia for 2024, followed by Tasmania, Sydney, Western Australia and South Australia’s Kangaroo Island. Those hitting the global seas were most interested in cruising to New Zealand, followed by Europe and the South Pacific, including Fiji and Vanuatu.
Looking for some travel inspo? Set sail with five of Carnival's best and most affordable escapes.