Dust off your name badges and polish the deck shoes—Fremantle is back on the cruise map in a big way. After a 20-year interlude, Western Australia’s salty harbour city will play host to the Australian Cruise Association (ACA) Conference and AGM from 3 to 5 September 2025, proving once and for all that regional Australia isn’t just along for the ride—it’s steering the ship.

Under the suitably seaworthy banner of “Anchoring Success Across Every Region,” this three-day spectacle isn’t just another conference—it’s a cruise industry class reunion, summit, strategy session and celebratory knees-up all rolled into one. Think less PowerPoint fatigue and more Fremantle port tours, prison strolls, and maybe even a pint at Little Creatures.

And yes, registrations are officially open. Early birds have until 1 August to secure a spot before the tide turns.

Cruise’s Big Guns Take the Helm

When it comes to keynote speakers, ACA hasn’t mucked about. They’ve summoned the kind of heavyweight lineup that would make Poseidon himself sit up straight:

• Robert de Bruin, Director of Deployment & Itinerary, Holland America Line

• Debbie Holbrook, Director of Deployment & Itinerary Planning, Princess Cruises

• Christine Manjencic, VP of Destination Services, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings

These three don’t just talk cruise—they design the journeys, plot the ports, and decide whether your regional town makes it onto the map. If anyone understands the currents shaping the global cruise trade, it’s this lot.

And make no mistake—they’re not flying in for the seafood platter. They’re bringing hard-earned insights into itinerary strategy, destination evolution, and the grand chessboard of cruise deployment. Expect tides of wisdom and perhaps a few war stories from the high seas.

Jill Abel: Fremantle’s Comeback Story

Steering the ACA ship once again is CEO Jill Abel, who sees Fremantle’s return as more than nostalgia—it’s a declaration:

“Returning to Fremantle after two decades reflects the incredible momentum of our industry,” she said. “This year’s program showcases the diversity of our regions and the power of collaboration in shaping cruise’s future in Australia.”

In other words, don’t underestimate the regions. From Broome to Burnie, the smaller ports have been pulling more than their weight, keeping Australia’s cruise engine humming while the capital cities soaked up the headlines.

Anneke Brown: WA’s $385 Million Wave

And just in case you thought this was all frothy enthusiasm and no hard numbers, Tourism WA boss Anneke Brown threw down the economic gauntlet:

“Hosting the ACA Conference in Fremantle is a testament to WA’s commitment to our thriving cruise industry, which generated $385 million in economic impact in 2023–24 and supported over 1,000 local jobs.”

Not too shabby for a sector that was supposed to be treading water not long ago. And let’s be frank—if there’s one thing WA knows how to do, it’s make a comeback with sun-drenched charm and just the right amount of swagger.

Conference Schedule: Boardroom Meets Boardwalk

The ACA 2025 affair starts on Wednesday, September 3, with destination tours and networking that could double as a Fremantle highlights reel. We’re talking behind-the-scenes looks at the port, guided walks through Fremantle Prison, and enough local eats to justify an extra notch on the belt.

Thursday, 4 September, will get down to business—literally—with industry panels, trendspotting sessions, and talks that will firmly put regional cruise development, innovation, and collaboration on the radar.

The final day, Friday 5 September, rounds things out with a breakfast session and the ACA’s Annual General Meeting—a chance to tie the bowline and look to the horizon.

Backed by Perth’s Powerhouses

Of course, none of this floats without support, and ACA has brought the whole flotilla. Tourism WA, the City of Fremantle, and Business Events Perth are all throwing considerable weight behind the event. Not to be outdone, Fremantle Ports, CLIA, and Select Fresh Providores have also stepped aboard.

There’s still room for more sponsors, too, so if you’ve ever wanted your brand next to a buffet line of cruise decision-makers, this is your moment.

Why It Matters

Sure, it’s a conference. But it’s also a conversation Australia’s cruise sector needs to have—about resilience, regional powerhouses, and rewriting the future from the dockside.

Because in an age where attention flits from TikTok clips to airline lounges, there’s something wonderfully grounding about a ship pulling into a port town that’s been preparing for its arrival for years.

Ready to Set Sail?

If you’ve got a hand in cruising—or hope to—then Fremantle is the port of call this September. The tide’s in, the harbour’s buzzing, and the industry’s captains are converging. Don’t be the one left waving from the shore.

📍 Register here before 1 August: australiancruiseassociation.com/conferences-and-events.

By Bridget Gomez

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