Cruise Sector Growing Globally - Capricorn Enterprise

Last week, Capricorn Enterprise, Great Keppel Island Hideaway and GAPDL attended the Annual Australian Cruise Association (ACA) conference in Brisbane. A fantastic opportunity to network, learn and grow on the work already done to attract cruise ships to Keppel Bay and Gladstone Port, the conference was the largest yet, hosted by the Sunshine State. With Regent Seven Seas and Azamara Cruises visiting Gladstone Port for a day during their itineraries in February 2026 (12 nights Sydney to Darwin/19 nights Sydney to Bali) and November 2026 (26 night Australia & NZ itinerary) respectively, it is an opportunity for our greater region to offer unique and bespoke shore excursions which attract exceptional guest reviews so that more cruise ships will include our Southern Great Barrier Reef destination for years to come.

Over the past four (4) years, we have hosted a number of shore excursion companies and cruise line representatives as a result of being a Member of ACA and attending their annual conference, in order to grow this sector to the SGBR. As itineraries are created two to three years in advance, this work is a slow burn but well worth the effort, in order to have our destination quite literally on the cruising map in Australia. While the cruise sector is growing globally, Australia is a long haul destination and works closely with New Zealand and Asia as a southern hemisphere destination. As an Anchorage, Great Keppel Island offers expedition cruise ships an opportunity to experience a pristine section of the SGBR and as Resort product and Island access develops, the appeal for shore excursions to both the island and mainland will also increase.

Global Developments
82 newbuilds on order through to 2035 with 8 being rolled out in 2026 (6.6 billion USD investment)
The sector met expectations and carried 37.2 million passengers in 2025, up from 34.6 million in 2024 (ocean going)
The forecast is now set to reach 40 million by 2027
1.5 million Australians took a cruise in 2025, (22.1 million North Americans)
Australia remains the 4th largest global source market (growing 7.4% in 2025), behind North America, Europe and Asia
1/3 of ‘new to cruise’ guests are under the age of 40
Average age of cruise guests is now 46
Consideration for cruise is at a record high
The Asian market grew 15% in 2025 (record levels) with Japan a key driver in overall region
The global fleet is growing at around 5% per annum with 327 ships sailing in 2026
Global ship size in 2026 – 34% up to 1000 berths, 37% up to 3000 berths, 28% over 3,000 berths
Now have newer, smarter and technically improved ships sailing the globe
57% of new builds will rely on multi fuel capability
70% of the global fleet will have shore power capabilities by 2028
All ships will be required to have shore power capability by 2035, 35 ports capable of shore power globally, 10 in Asia Pacific
Global political instability continues with fuel costs and transit routes remaining a challenge for deployment decisions
Cruise continues to be one of the strongest and most resilient sectors of the travel industry
While the cruise industry is not immune to economic downturns, its perceived value for money continues to drive resilience
Around 60 ports and destinations around Australia visited with 1,700 port days
68 cruise ships called to Australian Ports in 2024/25 season
The decline in activity not due to lack of passenger demand but reflects reduction in ship deployments, turnaround visits and capacity
Global Trends in Shore Excursions;
Authentic, immersive experiences
History and cultural
Local culinary and wine tours
Active & adventure tours
Accessible tours

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