‘Not just for retirees’: Under 35s driving 2024 cruise surge

One in four Australians will take a cruise in 2024, according to a national survey, with numbers expected to breach pre-Covid levels this year.

One in four Australians will take a cruise in 2024, according to a national survey from the Tourism & Transport Forum Australia, with numbers expected to breach pre-Covid levels this year. Picture: James D. Morgan/Getty Images for Princess Cruises

Under-35s are driving an ­increased demand in cruising, as the number of people taking seafaring vacations has more than ­tripled since last year.

One in four Australians will take a cruise in 2024, according to a national survey from the Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) Australia, with numbers expected to breach pre-Covid levels this year.

Gen Z and Millennials are powering this surge in round-trip ocean voyages, with 35 per cent of Australians aged under 35 planning a cruise this year, compared to 18 per cent of over 65s.

TTF CEO Margy Osmond says cruises offered great value for money, despite cost-of-living pressures.

“Once you’ve paid the bill, everything is part of that experience. Everyone is sensitive to cost of living at the moment, and this way, they can calculate what everything will cost them ahead of the cruise, which makes cruising very attractive.”

She said the idea that cruises were only for retirees and families was well and truly in the past.

“A lot of the cruise ships are catering to specific market segments, even the new Virgin ships … more young Australians will enjoy a cruise catered to their preferences. From Michelin-star ­restaurants and yoga, to tattoo parlours, free Wi-Fi and other services for remote workers.”

Those under 35 are also the most “cruise curious”, joining 25 per cent of Australians who are thinking about cruising for the first time.

Ms Osmond said the figures represented a “significant rebound” since Covid, but she was hopeful this year’s figures would overtake pre-Covid participation numbers.

The TTF, Australia’s peak industry group for the Tourism, Transport and Aviation sectors, is now urging state governments to work with industry to support the growing cruise sector, particularly in relation to opportunities for ­regional areas.

TTF CEO Margy Osmond. Picture: Supplied

“Most of cruise ships are keen to stop at regional ports, which is a real shot in the arm for regional tourism markets, but something that obviously needs to be managed,” she said.

She also referred to a longstanding battle over a permanent home for the cruise industry in Sydney and Melbourne.

“In Sydney, it’s been fairly controversial for a long time. There’s been a lot of discussion for Garden Island, Port Kembla … but we don’t have a resolution.

“With the significant growth in interest, and the opening of new market segments, questions can’t just be left.”

The survey of 2000 people revealed the percentage of Australians who plan to cruise in 2024 has risen from 7 per cent to 26 per cent in the past 12 months.