Sydney and Australia Must Fight for Cruise Tourism: Majestic Princess Impact Report Sounds Alarm for National Growth

Published on December 3, 2025

It was a beautiful summer evening in Sydney. The air was warm and the harbour glistened. This was the setting for a special end-of-year event. The Port Authority of New South Wales hosted the Australian Cruise Association (ACA) celebration. The venue was the stunning restaurant, Midden by Mark Olive. This is the restaurant of celebrated Aboriginal chef Mark Olive. It sits on the western broadwalk of the iconic Sydney Opera House.

Cruise line representatives mingled. Port officials, ground operators, and media also attended. They were all invited to this important event. The mood was one of both celebration and serious reflection. The cruise industry is vital to Australian tourism. Many people rely on this industry for their livelihoods.

A Call to Arms for the Cruise Economy

ACA CEO Jill Abel and Port of Brisbane’s Brendan Connell greeted guests. Mr. Connell is the newly elected ACA Chair. He wished everyone a “Merry Cruisemas.” Mr. Connell spoke honestly about the past year. He described it as a period of highs and lows.

A major success was the record attendance at the ACA 2025 conference. It was held in Fremantle. A massive 166 delegates were present. This showed the industry’s strong spirit. People are still incredibly passionate about cruising. The industry’s commitment to Australian tourism remains fierce.

The Alarming Economic Impact Report

However, a serious concern overshadowed the positive news. The recent 2024-25 economic impact report revealed a major downturn. This report was commissioned by the ACA. It was done jointly with the Cruise Lines International Association Australasia (CLIA).

The report showed a concerning A$1.11 billion decline. This loss was from the record-breaking A$8.43 billion of the previous year. This dramatic drop signals a worrying loss of market share. Australia is losing cruise tourism to other countries. This is according to the CLIA and ACA. Fewer ship visits mean less visitor spending.

NSW is the “Capital of Cruise.” Even NSW saw a downturn. Its total economic impact dropped. The state must fight to keep its cruise momentum. New South Wales had previously seen record-breaking figures. The Majestic Princess and other ships are vital to this economy. Every cruise visit brings enormous income to local businesses. These include restaurants, tour companies, and retailers.

Boost Tourism: A National Plan is Essential

This decline directly impacts Australian jobs. It threatens the economic health of coastal towns. The cruise industry supports thousands of full-time equivalent jobs. This economic activity is spread across many Australian regions. Cruise tourism is an important part of the national visitor economy. Many regional destinations, like Eden, depend on cruise visits. Port Authority of NSW is committed to growing the industry. They support jobs and economic growth.

Mr. Connell stressed the need for action. He stated that the ACA will maintain close ties with CLIA. They are calling for a coordinated national approach. This unified plan is needed for cruise tourism. They argue that high operating costs and difficult regulations are hurdles. Other countries are more welcoming to cruise lines. Australia risks losing its competitive edge.

The goal is a national action plan. This plan must involve all levels of government. It should aim to attract more ships. It needs to safeguard Australian jobs. It must create greater economic opportunities nationwide. Destination NSW is working on a Visitor Economy Strategy. The cruise sector is a critical part of this plan.

The Future of Australian Cruise Tourism

This end-of-year gathering felt less like a party and more like a pivotal moment. The warmth of the Sydney evening contrasted with the seriousness of the economic challenge. Cruise leaders stood together. Their shared determination was clear. They spoke passionately about the future.

The industry is not just about big ships and glamour. It is about supporting Australian families and regional economies. It is about showcasing the nation’s unique culture and destinations. The collaboration between government bodies like Port Authority of NSW and industry associations like ACA and CLIA is crucial. Australia needs to roll out the welcome mat again. The dream is to see a return to growth. Every Australian can benefit from a thriving cruise sector. This fight for the cruise industry is a fight for Australian tourism’s heart.