$5.63 BILLION.

It’s a big number, isn’t it? And no, it’s not next week’s lottery jackpot in the United States.

That figure is the amount of money the cruise industry has pumped into the Australian economy in its first full year of revival.

If you needed any more evidence that travel is definitely “back”, that figure is surely it.

Having hit the COVID iceberg, cruising was shipwrecked for a couple of years, marooned in dry dock with nowhere to go.

Now it is full steam ahead with one cruise line recently announcing a whopping 23 new ships coming into its fleet. Named after a proud seafaring race, the company in question is clearly hoping its historic name will once again rule the oceans (and rivers).

With all due respect to its past clientele, there used to be an impression that cruising was really only for those whose next big trip was to Heaven’s waiting room. That delineation is no longer valid or correct.

We recently recorded an episode of our entertaining, informative and educational podcast, Talking Travel, on the subject of cruising. Our expert guests all vouched for the fact that the average age of those coming onboard was dropping faster than The Giant Drop at Dreamworld.

I myself am living proof of this fact, having only recently become a “cruise convert”. A river cruise through France lit the figurative flame and an ocean voyage from Venice to Rome sealed the deal.

My wife and I are eagerly anticipating two journeys to New Zealand and South Australia in December and January respectively. I think it’s safe to say we are both hooked.

The secret, as with most travel experiences, is to pick the cruise line or ship that best suits you. I’ve often heard travel agents tell stories about putting the ‘right clients on the wrong ship’ and I totally understand that sharing a ship (don’t call them boats!) with 4,500 other people isn’t everyone’s cup of Earl Grey.

But perhaps one of the main reasons cruising is bringing in the big bucks is the huge variety of product available. There really is a vessel to suit every style and budget – it just takes a little research to find the perfect fit for each traveller.

The introduction of Disney and Virgin to the local cruise scene can only help attract a whole new, younger audience to the experience. I mean, who can say no to Mickey Mouse, late nights and neon lights?

I’m not sure where Australia ranks at this moment in time on the world scene. Pre-COVID, we were right up there in terms of the number of Aussies cruising every year. It’s why our ports will be busier than Donald Trump’s lawyers in coming months as cruise season gets into full swing.

If you’re still sceptical about the allure of cruising, now is the ideal time to dip your toe in the water with so many ships visiting our shores. From what I’ve seen, the wave of popularity will only get bigger.

Anyone who disagrees will probably end up like poor old King Canute, sitting on his throne with wet shoes…