King Charles wasn’t the only ‘royal’ to arrive in Australia last week as the ship that bears his mother’s name arrived to kick off the cruise season Down Under.
Queen Elizabeth sailed into a wet and overcast Sydney Harbour, carrying more than 2,000 guests and 900 crew members.
Her arrival was particularly significant as it marked one hundred years of Cunard sailing to Australian waters.
The historic link began with the Albania’s first call in December 1924, followed by the Cunard ships’ support as troop carriers during WW2, and enabling many ‘Ten Pound Poms’ to start a new life in Australia during the Assisted Passage Migration Scheme in the 1950s.
The anniversary was celebrated with a ceremonial ribbon cutting with Cunard senior executives and Queen Elizabeth’s Captain Stephen Howarth, and a pop-up exhibition featuring historic milestones on board the ship.
Her arrival was doubly significant given the release of new figures that showed the value of cruise tourism in Australia has surged to a record high, generating $8.43 billion for the national economy during 2023-24 while supporting more than 26,000 jobs around the country.
Suppliers, travel media and dignitaries were invited onboard Queen Elizabeth to tour the ship and hear Cunard’s plans for the future.
“It’s an honour to stand before you today as we celebrate Cunard’s deep and enduring connection with Australia, a bond that has spanned a century and continues to grow stronger with each passing year,” said Matt Gleaves, Cunard VP Commercial North America and Australasia.
“As we look ahead to our upcoming season, I’m thrilled to share with you what will be a record breaking 125 day home port season for Queen Elizabeth.
“But that is not all. Early next year, we will welcome our newest ship, Queen Anne, to Australian shores, extending our local season to an unprecedented 145 days.”
During this time, the two queens will visit 65 ports from New Zealand to the South Pacific and from Fremantle to Townsville, welcoming more than 35,000 guests.
“Since 2012, Cunard has continued to strengthen our ties in Australia. Our ongoing visits have seen our modern Queens become beloved features in Australian cruising and culture,” added Mr Gleaves.
“In the last 10 years almost a quarter of a million guests have sailed on board a Cunard Queen in Aussie waters.”
Cunard is just one of nine Carnival Corporation brands sailing in Australian waters this cruise season.
There will be 16 ships from across the fleets of Carnival Cruise Line, P&O Cruises Australia, Princess Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, Seabourn, Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises World Cruising and AIDA Cruises.
“When you look at the number of ships and different options we have, we really do have something to offer everyone, all of us here in Australia, to take an ocean cruise this summer,” said Peter Little, Senior Vice President and Country Manager, Carnival Corporation.
