Cruise season kicks off in style in WA’s South

The 290m vessel arrived just after sunrise to a special Welcome to Country led by Traditional Owner Lindsay Dean, before its more than 3,000 visitors stepped ashore to enjoy a busy day exploring the Great Southern.

Southern Ports Chief Executive Keith Wilks said the cruise season is a fantastic time of year that draws visitors from across the globe to our state.

“Our regional communities generally have a high level of interest in what’s happening at our ports, but when vessels such as the Crown Princess cruise in, there are certainly a few more people keen to see what’s going on,” he said.

“Partly it’s the awe-inspiring scale of these vessels, and partly it’s because the community loves showing off what our regions have to offer to visitors.

“The history and beautiful natural landscapes of Albany for example are a terrific introduction to the Great Southern region and cruise passengers often leave wanting to come back for more.

“We’re certainly thrilled to be welcoming the Crown Princess to start the season for the third year in a row, and hope the passengers and crew alike enjoyed the warm welcome this morning.”

The vessel, its crew and passengers were welcomed with a smoking ceremony and performances by the Mooditch Nop Dance Group, in addition to the Welcome to Country.

Passengers departing the tour on foot as well as by bus were additionally greeted by a recently installed cultural welcome sign designed by Merningar artist Shandell Cummings.

The sign was a joint project between the WA Government, Southern Ports and Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation.

“It was tremendous to see so many passengers pausing to read the welcome and take pictures in front of the sign,” Mr Wilks said.

“Logistically we can’t welcome every vessel with its own cultural welcome ceremony, so the sign stands as a lasting welcome to thousands of passengers visiting the magnificent Great Southern.”

The Crown Princess will depart Albany at 4pm Friday 16 October, before it sails to Busselton, Fremantle and Broome.

It marks the first of 13 visits scheduled for Albany and two for Esperance between October 2026 and April 2027.  

“Data shows cruise visits across our southern regions have a multi-million-dollar economic impact,” Mr Wilks said.

“Every visit is a chance for our regions to put our best foot forward to visitors, and we love being able to facilitate that.”

Visit the Southern Ports website to view the full schedule for the 2026-27 cruise season.