More than 3,000 Australians have boarded Princess Cruises’ Crown Princess for what the company says is the biggest world cruise ever to depart from Australia.
Imagine this… 113 days, 42 destinations across 22 countries on five continents, and all with just one unpack.
Some would say that’s a pleasant way to spend the next four months, especially through the Australian winter. Among those would be Jessica and Marty Ansen.
One of the thousands of Aussies on this journey, the Brisbane couple have spent a remarkable 2,335 days at sea across 111 Princess cruises.
Married for 55 years, the couple has even become unofficial cruise royalty, says Princess, inspiring a wave of Aussie retirees looking to explore the world by ship.
“Life at sea is the only way we travel – apart from getting on board, everything else is taken care of for you,” the Ansens said.
“You can forget about housework with a constantly cleaned room including your bed made daily, eating at the finest restaurants and enjoying world-class entertainment.
“This is not only more affordable than a retirement home or travelling by air, but also much more fun and where you can meet life-long friends.”
Crown Princess Captain Christopher Lye said that every guest who steps on board a Princess ship becomes part of the family.
“We offer so much on board, you never get bored. But we know it is often the simple things such as sharing stories with one another and our exceptional and kind staff that make the cruising experience so memorable,” Lye said.
State of cruising
Cruising continues to boom in Australia. According to new Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) data, some 1.32 million Aussies took to the seas in 2024 – a 5.9% rise on the previous year and almost back to the record-breaking heights of 2018.
According to CLIA’s Source Market Report for Australia, a record 34.6 million people globally took an ocean cruise during 2024, reflecting nearly double-digit (9.3%) growth on the previous record of 31.7 million in 2023.
Meanwhile, the report revealed that first-time Aussie cruisers jumped by 31% over the past two years, showing the growing appetite for holidays at sea.
And with 11 new ships launching in 2025 – including the Star Princess – and 56 more on order globally through 2036, the momentum shows no signs of slowing.
Nor do the Ansens, who have an incredible 33 more cruises booked over the next 12 months.
“We feel incredibly lucky to be part of the Princess family and to meet more like-minded and free-spirited people on this world cruise,” The Ansens said.
“Our advice to any Australian considering this lifestyle is you will never regret it.”
Solar eclipse cruise
In other news, Princess Cruises has unveiled its 2027 Europe season, which features over 200 sailings across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Transatlantic routes, including over 105 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a rare solar eclipse at sea on 2 August 2027.
“Our 2027 Europe season is an unparalleled opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in Europe’s most extraordinary moments,” Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer Terry Thornton said.
“From witnessing the awe-inspiring solar eclipse over the Mediterranean to experiencing the enchanting glow of the Midnight Sun, all while indulging in the unmatched comfort of our Princess ships, this season’s program promises unforgettable memories.”
Princess Cruises’ 2027 program, which goes on sale 11 June 2025, features 136 Mediterranean departures, 44 Northern Europe cruises and 22 transatlantic voyages, with highlights including the Midnight Sun, Oktoberfest capitals and first-time Baltic routes with Caribbean Princess.
Sailings depart from major ports like Southampton, Rome, Athens and Copenhagen, visiting 108 destinations in 31 countries.
For more info, agents can call 1300 587 473 or visit onesourcecruises.com.au.
