South Australia's 2026-27 cruise season has officially begun, with today's arrival of Princess Cruises' Crown Princess in Adelaide, ushering in domestic and international visitors to explore the state's regions and boost the local economy.
The first visit of the season comes as Princess Cruises confirms plans to triple the number of port calls to South Australia, with increased visits in 2028-29 which is expected to generate an estimated $22 million in economic benefit for the State.
Carrying 3,080 guests and 1,200 crew, the Crown Princess docks in Outer Harbor today as part of a 28-day Round Australia voyage. It brings visitors from across the nation and overseas to experience South Australia's renowned food and wine, unique wildlife and stunning landscapes. Passengers will take onshore excursions across Adelaide and regional South Australia, including Adelaide Hills, Barossa, Fleurieu Peninsula, and Murray River, Lakes & Coorong.
The ship's arrival marks the start of a diverse cruise season for South Australia, with 54 cruise and expedition vessel visits scheduled across the State through to April 2027. With visits across Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Port Lincoln, Wallaroo and Robe, tens of thousands of visitors are set to step ashore and discover what makes South Australia a must-visit destination.
This season will feature 40 cruise ship visits and 14 expedition vessel visits from 13 cruise lines. Five maiden calls across Adelaide and Port Lincoln in Eyre Peninsula are also part of the itinerary, with Seabourn Quest, Carnival Adventure and Azamara Quest all making first-time visits.
Among the season's highlights is the arrival of Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Edge, the largest vessel scheduled to visit South Australia this summer, carrying more than 3,100 passengers and around 1,400 crew. Another season highlight will see the Princess Cruises' Coral Princess visiting Adelaide in March carrying more than 2,000 international guests as part a114-night round trip voyage from the United States.
Regional South Australia will once again take centre stage, with cruise visitors heading to destinations known for their wildlife, coastal scenery, food and wine, and immersive local experiences. Expedition vessels will unlock access to some of the State's most spectacular and remote locations, including Memory Cove, Coffin Bay, Flinders Island, Streaky Bay, Ceduna, Seal Bay and Cape Donington.
This season will also see the first cruise ship to Wallaroo since 2019, with the luxury cruise ship, the Seabourn Quest, scheduled to visit the Yorke Peninsula town in March 2027 as part of a South Australian itinerary, which also includes Adelaide, Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln.
Cruise tourism continues to play an important role in South Australia's visitor economy. The most recent economic impact figures show cruise contributed $198 million to the State's economy in 2024-25, supporting approximately 613 jobs and providing flow-on benefits to local tour operators, accommodation providers, transport services, retailers and hospitality.
Tourism Minister Emily Bourke said the arrival of the Crown Princess marks the start of another important cruise season for South Australia's tourism industry.
"It provides a fantastic opportunity to showcase our State to thousands of visitors from across the nation and the world," she said.
"Cruise passengers are seeking exactly what South Australia does best: world-class food and wine, incredible wildlife in the wild, stunning natural landscapes and authentic regional hospitality."
"This season we will welcome 54 cruise and expedition vessel visits, creating valuable economic benefits for communities across Adelaide and regional South Australia."
"We're seeing continued confidence in South Australia from global cruise operators, with five maiden calls scheduled this season and a strong mix of premium and luxury cruise brands choosing to include our State in their itineraries."
Rutherford is Princess Cruises' Vice President Asia Pacific and said "Princess Cruises loves South Australia, as do our guests. We're offering more opportunities in 2028/29 for Australians to discover this incredible part of the country."
"We've built a strong connection with this destination over many years and are delighted to continue bringing visitors to discover what makes South Australia so special."
"Our guests are not just visiting Adelaide, they're travelling further afield, visiting local attractions, dining at local venues, tasting South Australian wines and purchasing from local businesses. These experiences give our guests a taste of South Australia and provide an important contribution to tourism operators and businesses across the state."
"For more than 50 years, Princess Cruises has introduced travellers to some of the world's most sought-after destinations, with South Australia continuing to be a guest favourite. Cruising is an important gateway to tourism - many guests get their first taste of a destination during a cruise visit before returning for a longer holiday."
