Cruise Season

Cruise Season Overview

Are you ready to seize the opportunities brought by Cruise Season 2026-27 in Port Adelaide & Coast? Cruise ships are set to arrive from Tuesday 13 October 2026 to Monday 12 April 2027, bringing a total of 19 arrivals. With an estimated 36,552 passengers and 16,367 crew members expected, this season is full of promise.

Snapshot of Cruise Arrivals:

• Arrival Dates: From 13 October 2026 to 12 April 2027
• Total Arrivals: 19 cruise ship arrivals.
• Passengers: Anticipated 36,552 passengers.
• Crew: Approximately 16,367 crew members.

Understanding the Cruise Arrival Schedule:

• Full Turn Days: On these days, passengers disembark and embark, generally without sightseeing. No shuttle services are provided on these days.
• Pax: Refers to passengers, with final numbers confirmed closer to arrival.
• Arrival Time: Ships dock at this time, with passenger disembarkation typically starting a few hours later.
• Partial Turnaround: Involves a mix of transiting passengers and those starting or ending their journey.
• Transit: Indicates a day stop where passengers explore the destination or port city before returning to the ship.
• Maiden Arrivals: New cruise ships to our port.

Arrival Types:

• 18 are Transit Arrivals
• 1 is a Partial Turnaround Arrival
• 0 Full Turn Days
• 0 Maiden Arrivals
• 2 ships are staying overnight in port

City of PAE's Focus: We concentrate on arrival dates with 2000+ passengers, in port on transit days. This presents an opportunity to engage passengers who aren't part of pre-organised tours, encouraging them to explore PAE’s attractions, experiences, and businesses.

PAE Cruise Shuttle Bus Service: Operating on 11 arrival dates, targeting ships with over 2000 passengers in transit.

PAE Information for All Arriving Ships: Local information is available in the cruise terminal and is accessible to all arriving cruise ships (not just shuttle days!), ensuring all visitors will have access to information about what our region has to offer.

Here's how we've helped businesses maximise this opportunity

• Featuring special offers on our Visit PAE website: So businesses can share exclusive deals or experiences for cruise visitors. View this seasons' offers.
• Providing quality marketing materials: Like eye-catching posters, window stickers, or tent signs to highlight your participation in our offers program.
• Enhancing visibility: By supporting promotional options at the Port Adelaide Visitor Information Centre and online.
• Creating resource and information services : Filling our website, app, and the Port Adelaide Visitor Information Centre for comprehensive regional information.

Cruise Season Business Offers Now Closed

Thanks to all the fantastic local businesses who submitted special offers for the 2026-27 Cruise Ship Season. These offers will be promoted to cruise visitors through the Visit PAE website, and printed Visitor Guide.

Submissions for the 2026-27 printed visitor guide are now closed. We’re excited to share these offers with visiting cruise passengers and crew and showcase the very best of our local area.

For any business support enquiries, please contact our Economic Development Team on 8405 6600.

For more details and to participate, contact us at visitorinfo@cityofpae.sa.gov.au. Our dedicated team is here to assist you.

How Businesses can prepare

How your business can prepare for cruise visitors

• Ensure your opening hours are accurate and up to date.
• If your business is participating in the offer program, ensure staff understand the offer and how it can be redeemed
• Display your Cruise Season promotional materials where visitors can easily see them.
• Ensure your business information, accessibility details and contact information are current online.
• Create an ATDW listing, it is quick, easy and free!
• Be prepared for visitors who may have limited time in the area and may be looking for quick, convenient experiences.

Cruise Christmas Market opportunity