Sydney is the largest cruise ship port in Australia with regards to cruise departures. Each year there are over 300 cruise ships that arrive in Sydney Harbour. The major will dock at the Oversease Passenger Cruise Terminal in Circular Quay, with the remainder docking at the White Bay Cruise Terminal in Roselle. Getting to your cruise is simple with air, train, bus, and car options available.

All the major local and international cruise lines will be operating cruises ex Sydney during the current cruise season, including Royal Caribbean and P&O Cruises Australia. Some of the most popular cruise ships departing from Sydney include the Ovation of the Seas and the Celebrity Solstice. Cruise Sydney and discover all the sights and attractions that the Harbour City has to offer.

Where do cruises leave from in Sydney?

Larger cruise ships (such as Ovation Of The Seas, Carnival Spirit, and Celebrity Solstice) leave from the Overseas Passenger Terminal which is located at Circular Quay. Other smaller vessels that are able to sail under the Sydney Harbour Bridge (such as Pacific Adventure, Pacific Aria, and Pacific Dawn) will depart from the White Bay Cruise Terminal located in Rozelle.

How to get to the Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT)

The OPT is located at Circular Quay, immediately adjacent to the Museum Of Contemporary Art (MCA) and the historic Rocks area. If you are arriving for your cruise holiday by car, you can drive right up to the drop-off point in front of the OPT. If you are arriving by train, the best option is Circular Quay train station - approximately 200m from the OPT entrance. For those flying in from interstate, get the Airport Link train from Sydney Airport heading to Circular Quay. The current (September 2019) Airport Link train prices are $19.40 per Adult, and $15.40 per Child (children under the age of 4 travel for free), with the trip taking about 18 minutes - read more here: www.airportlink.com.au/trip-information/price/. A taxi from Sydney Airport to the OPT will cost approximately $50 depending on the time of day (travelling during morning or evening peak hours will be more expensive). You can get an Uber from the Sydney Domestic Airport to Circular Quay at rates starting from $37.

How to get to the White Bay Cruise Terminal (WBCT)

This is the main departure terminal for the smaller P&O cruise ships. Access roads leading to the WBCT are restricted during cruise days. You will need to enter via The Crescent, and then proceed along James Craig Road, and then follow the clearly marked signs to the terminal. Unfortunately there is no train station nearby the terminal. If you are arriving by private transport, there is a drop off zone right in front of the terminal. If you are arriving from interstate, we suggest that you get the train from the airport to Central station, and from there get a taxi direct to the cruise terminal (average taxi fare cost about $30 depending on the time of day). For further details on how to get to this terminal, please see this page: www.cruiseagency.com.au/news/how-to-get-to-white-bay-cruise-terminal/

Do you need a passport for a cruise in Australia?

No. If you're an Australian citizen and if the cruise ship does not visit any International ports, then you do not need a passport.

Cruise Ships Departing Sydney

• Carnival Spirit
• Carnival Splendor
• Celebrity Solstice
• Explorer Dream
• Maasdam
• Majestic Princess
• Noordam
• Norwegian Jewel
• Ovation of the Seas
• Pacific Explorer
• Pacific Adventure
• Radiance of the Seas
• Regatta
• Ruby Princess
• Seabourn Encore
• Voyager of the Seas

Sydney Cruise Statistics

Cruise passengers from New South Wales represent the largest proportion of cruise travellers compared to all other States in Australia. With over 53% of the total cruise passengers coming from NSW.