Ships Ahoy: Geraldton set to welcome nine cruise ships in the next three years after brief cruise hiatus

After a brief hiatus, Geraldton’s port will once again come alive with a number of luxury cruise ships set to dock in the 2026-28 seasons, offering passengers a taste of the magnificent Mid West.

The first to grace Geraldton’s shores will be the Seabourn Sojourn. Described as the “pinnacle of ultra-luxury ocean and expedition cruising,” the Sojourn is set to dock on March 13 next year, bringing with it 458 guests, 335 crew members and a sprawling 10 passenger decks.

On April 5 next year, the Villa Vie Odyssey residential cruise ship will make it’s maiden visit to Geraldton, docking overnight to allow its 924 passengers — some who live on the ship permanently — to explore the city.

The visits come as welcome news after the cancellation of 12 cruise ships that were initially expected to arrive in Geraldton between 2025 and 2026, called off due to itinerary changes, cruise line withdrawals from Australia, and Australian Border Force complications.

Across the 2027-28 season an expected seven ships will make their way to the Mid West: Reggatta, AIDAstella, Europa 2, Seabourne Quest, Seven Seas Mariner, Amadea and Crystal Symphony.

The Crystal Symphony and AIDAstella will make their maiden voyages.

During the 2023-24 cruise ship season, Geraldton was visited by five ships with a total of 8945 passengers and crew coming ashore to soak up the sunshine.

An estimated $4 million was injected into the local economy while city icons like Point Moore Lighthouse, St Francis Xavier Cathedral and HMAS Sydney II Memorial were some of the top attractions.

There are also hopes that the Sapphire Princess, which is set to call Fremantle home in the 2027-28 season, will visit Geraldton during its nine planned voyages.