The Cruise Lines International Association's Cruise360 Australasia conference has opened in Sydney with a record turnout of close to 1,000 delegates, even as the region keeps shedding cruise deployments. CLIA Australasia executive director Joel Katz said New Zealand's government was hearing the industry's concerns, while noting that both Australia and New Zealand have lost ships to other parts of the world. Organisers still pointed to global growth, with worldwide passenger numbers tracking toward around 42 million by the end of the decade.
Australasia's largest cruise industry gathering drew close to 1,000 delegates to Sydney for its two-day 2026 programme, up from roughly 800 at the previous event. Addressing the loss of ships from the region, CLIA Australasia executive director Joel Katz said New Zealand's government was responding to the sector's concerns over cost and competitiveness, though he acknowledged Australia and New Zealand had both seen deployments move elsewhere. The wider outlook remains one of expansion, with about 38 million passengers expected globally this year and forecasts of roughly 42 million by decade's end. Full details are in the original report by Seatrade Cruise News (linked as the source).