LAST night, the Australian Cruise Association (ACA) threw a soiree at the Opera House to farewell the end of 2025 and celebrate the midway point of the 2025/26 cruse season.
“It hasn’t been the easiest year, but I think that we’ve ended it on a positive note,” ACA CEO Jill Abel told Cruise Weekly.
“We’re really focused and quite united between the cruise lines, CLIA and the ACA and the direction that we want to enhance the industry and take it to the next level, so it’s a nice way to end the year.
“Mostly I think everyone works so hard, so it’s nice just to share a bit of friendship, and that’s what keeps us all bound together.
Meanwhile, Port of Brisbane’s Brenden Connell, newly elected ACA Chair, noted the association’s major focus next year on working with governments, the Cruise Lines International Association and the wider industry, as the organisation develops a positioning paper on how ACA members view the sector and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
“We’ll put those views to government and ask them to give us some help and support so that we can keep doing what we do, which is generate economic activities in towns and cities across Australia and of course, businesses,” he said.
“It’s a very busy time for the cruise industry, so good luck – I’m confident it will be a successful year for the industry – have a great Christmas and a really prosperous 2026.” JHM
Pictured: Viking’s Jane Moggridge and Jo Harris with Abel (centre) greeted Viking Orion as she sailed by during last night’s event.