October signals the start of the local cruise season, with the Diamond Princess already visiting Kangaroo Island and other South Australian ports.

It was the first of 119 cruise and expedition ship visits scheduled for the state, including two for Victor Harbor.

Kangaroo Island will again be a busy and popular cruise destination, with five visits scheduled for November, 12 for December and three in each of February, March and April.

Delivering economic benefits across the state’s tourism regions, passengers will take part in onshore tours and experiences across Adelaide, Barossa, Adelaide Hills, Clare Valley and Fleurieu Peninsula.

The season is set to continue until June 2025, bringing an estimated more than 241,000 passengers and crew to South Australian shores.

It will see the return of expedition cruise ships to Victor Harbor and the Fleurieu Peninsula for the first time in nearly 15 years, with Ponant Cruises visiting in December and Coral Expeditions in February.

Luxury vessel Le Jacques Cartier will anchor off Victor Harbor on Wednesday 18 December, bringing 184 passengers and 112 crew on a 14-day journey along Australia’s southern coastline.

Coral Adventurer will visit on Monday 3 February 2025, carrying 120 passengers and 48 crew on a 15-night voyage.

City of Victor Harbor Mayor Moira Jenkins is thrilled that Victor Harbor has been recognised as an attractive destination for the cruising tours.

“The arrival of the cruise ships is a strong signifier of just how attractive our coastal city is to both national and international visitors.”

The state government says latest data shows the 2022-23 season injected a record $215 million into South Australia’s economy and supported 704 jobs.

Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison says more than 20 ships will make their first visits to South Australia this season.

“We continue to work to ensure South Australia is included in the itineraries of a wide range of global cruise lines. Opportunities, such as being the host city for the Australian Cruise Association Annual Conference last month, was invaluable in further promoting our state as a must-visit destination to leading cruise industry representatives.

“While I acknowledge there are some challenges ahead for cruise as a sector nationally, our focus remains on growing the number and range of cruise lines and ships bringing in visitors to South Australia.

“I look forward to seeing passengers and crew discover the beauty of South Australia’s destination and people, as the season helps to inject important dollars into our visitor economy through to mid-2025.”