Princess Cruises’ Crown Princess has arrived in Fremantle, signalling the launch of Western Australia’s 2025–26 summer cruise season and a fresh round of sellable itineraries for agents across the state and beyond.
Vice President Asia Pacific Matthew Rutherford said the brand’s WA program continues to connect local and international travellers with the state’s coastal highlights.
“Princess Cruises has a deep passion for Western Australia, and our commitment to cruising these remarkable waters is unwavering,” said Rutherford.
“Every voyage here is a celebration of the region’s beauty, culture, and hospitality.”
WA season at a glance
The ship departs later today on an 11‑night Southern Australia Explorer itinerary from Fremantle to Sydney, with calls in Margaret River (Busselton) and Albany before sailing east to Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart and Sydney. Shore excursion options in WA include Ngilgi Caves and Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, the Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk, Torndirrup National Park and a wide selection of local food and wine experiences.
Crown Princess will be back in 2026 on Northern Explorer sailings featuring Exmouth and Broome, plus scenic cruising through Yampi Sound and along the Kimberley Coast.
Why WA matters this summer
Western Australia continues to build its cruise footprint, with Fremantle acting as a key gateway for regional dispersal to the South West, the Coral Coast and the Kimberley. Princess reports strong interest from Australian and overseas guests, including travellers from the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and Asia.
Rutherford said Princess cruises act as a bridge that connects international guests with WA’s natural and cultural experiences, creating repeat visitation opportunities for the state.
“With today’s arrival of Crown Princess in Fremantle, we’re not just launching a new summer cruise season—we’re inviting guests from across Western Australia and beyond to embark on journeys that showcase the very best this region has to offer.”
Itineraries agents can sell now
- Round Australia and Southern Australia Explorer options: Departures that link Fremantle with Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart and Sydney, ideal for clients chasing city‑to‑city cruising with WA highlights built in.
- Regional WA shore days with strong appeal: Busselton for Margaret River access, Albany for national parks and coastline, and optional wine and culinary experiences that appeal to premium and multigenerational clients.
- Kimberley‑adjacent scenic days in 2026: Yampi Sound and the Kimberley Coast scenic cruising on Northern Explorer sailings offer a lower‑commitment taste of the region for clients curious about expedition‑style destinations.
Long‑term signal: Fremantle homeporting returns in 2027
Princess has confirmed plans to homeport Sapphire Princess in Fremantle in the 2027–28 season. The deployment will feature multiple WA‑focused itineraries and signals a longer runway for trade sales out of WA in the years ahead.
The cruise season supports regional economies through passenger and crew spend, tour operator activity and provisioning. Calls into Busselton, Albany, Exmouth and Broome distribute visitor dollars to small businesses and tourism providers across the state.
“With more than 3,000 guests sailing aboard Crown Princess, Princess Cruises is proudly redefining the benchmark for cruising excellence in Western Australia,” said Rutherford.
“We are truly excited to unveil the very best of Western Australia to our guests onboard Crown Princess. From breathtaking landscapes to vibrant local culture, every journey promises to inspire and delight.”
WA cruise season: key questions agents are asking
- What’s new to sell right now? Southern Australia Explorer itineraries ex‑Fremantle with WA shore days, plus Round Australia segments that start or end in WA.
- Where’s the Kimberley in this program? Scenic cruising through Yampi Sound and along the Kimberley Coast features on Northern Explorer voyages in 2026.
- What’s the longer‑term upside? Sapphire Princess homeporting in 2027–28 in Fremantle provides a larger WA program and more reasons for clients to fly west or sail from their home state.
For more information, travel agents should visit onesourcecruises.com.au .
KARRYON UNPACKS: Extra WA capacity means fresh commission opportunities and stronger regional dispersal.
