The Aussie cruising crowd has dusted off their passports and traded the Barrier Reef for the Bay of Bengal. According to freshly released data from Cruise Guru—recently crowned CLIA’s 2024 Online Cruise Agency of the Year—there’s been a 19% spike in demand for international cruises in the first quarter of 2025 compared to last year. And if you’re wondering where everyone’s off to, it’s not Naples or Nice, but Nagasaki and Nha Trang are topping the wish lists.
Yes, Asia is now officially the cruising darling of the Southern Hemisphere. In a standout shift that feels inevitable and refreshing, Australians are setting their sights north, not for the rugby, but for the ramen, the ruins, and the rolling rice paddies.
“We’re seeing a clear appetite for overseas cruise itineraries, with Asia emerging as the top pick,” said Michael Betteridge, Chief Commercial & Operations Officer at Cruise Guru. “Asia offers exceptional value, it’s closer to home, and every port is a fresh adventure—perfect for travellers who’ve ticked off the Med and the South Pacific.”
Japan, Korea & Southeast Asia Steal the Spotlight
The numbers don’t lie. Destination-specific cruise searches in Q1 2025 rose 22.08%, with Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and Thailand dominating the digital radar. According to Cruise Guru’s latest survey of 2,500 prospective passengers, 90% said they plan to travel internationally in the next 12 months, with 22% selecting Asia as their top cruise destination—leaving traditional favourites like Europe and the UK to bob about in their wake.
Interestingly, 64% of respondents said they’d be on board for at least one or two overseas cruises per year—if time, money, and the grandkids permit.
The Silver Travellers Still Rule the Waves
While cruise lines scramble to woo Gen Z with Instagrammable infinity pools and late-night noodle bars, Cruise Guru’s booking data reveals a more grounded reality: over 60% of international cruise bookings still come from travellers aged 55 and above.
The same folks who remember when passports were handwritten and “buffet” meant a prawn cocktail and roast lamb are still the backbone of long-haul cruising.
And they’re not just sticking to the “safe and known.” These seasoned seafarers increasingly opt for more exotic, less crowded itineraries—eager to embrace the cultural immersion and local experiences Asia is famous for.
Domestic Decline Spurs International Growth
Part of this overseas surge may also be due to what’s happening closer to home. Australia’s domestic cruise capacity has shrunk by about 30% in recent years, with several lines pulling ships from the region or downsizing their offerings altogether. That’s left a gap in the local market—and Aussie cruisers, ever enterprising, are simply looking further afield to fill the void.
Meanwhile, the cruise industry at large continues to sail full steam ahead. According to CLIA Australasia’s 2025 Cruise Industry Outlook, 11 brand-new ships will be added to the global fleet this year, signalling robust confidence in cruising’s future and a commitment to innovation and international expansion.
“As Australians plan for 2026 and beyond, Cruise Guru is committed to delivering top-value international cruise deals backed by our strong supplier partnerships and local expertise,” added Betteridge.
Booking Made Easy (And Local)
In true Cruise Guru fashion, the booking process remains refreshingly old-school in its friendliness, with real people in Sydney ready to help. Whether you’re eyeing an Okinawa spring blossom sailing or a Mekong River cultural cruise, it’s all just a phone call or a click away.
Cruise Guru continues to offer thousands of cruise deals across every continent—from Alaska to Antarctica—so Australians needn’t feel limited by what’s left at Circular Quay.
For more, visit www.cruiseguru.com.au or ring 13 13 03 to speak with a knowledgeable cruise consultant who doesn’t rely on chatbots or offshore call centres.
By Sandra Jones
