Fremantle to Host Australian Cruise Association Conference

The 2025 Australian Cruise Association (ACA) Conference is set to return to Fremantle after two decades, taking place from 3-5 September 2025.

While it’s been quiet on the cruise front recently, this conference suggests expanding cruise operations in Western Australia.

Sunset shot of Coral Princess & Pacific Explorer. Credit ACA.

When Fremantle hosted the ACA Conference (then Cruise Down Under) in 2005, just 49 delegates attended.

The three day September event will host over 150 Delegates bringing the theme Anchoring Success Across Every nto life with a powerful line-up of industry leaders, innovators and regional change-makers from across Australia and beyond.

Thursday’s full-day conference program will explore critical themes shaping the cruise industry, including regional development, strategic deployment and future forecasting. Attendees will hear from a distinguished lineup of speakers representing government, cruise lines, port authorities, tourism organisations, and local leadership.

Speakers confirmed for Thursday 4 September include:

• Joel Katz, Cruise Lines International Association  
• Matthew Rutherford, Princess Cruises  
• Michael Braathren, Mystic Cruises  
• Peter Little, Carnival Corporation  
• Gavin Smith, Royal Caribbean Group  
• Ben Angell, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings  
• Tim Jones, Celebrity Cruises  
• Adam Radwanski, Silversea Cruises  
• Deb Corbett, Ponant  
• Sally Cope, Tourism Australia  
• Steve Biviano, Select Fresh Providores  
• Jacqui Lloyd, New Zealand Cruise Association  
• Robert de Bruin, Holland America Line  
• Debbie Hollbrook, Princess Cruises  
• Christine Manjencic, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

Friday 5 September Breakfast session will feature Stu MacLeod, CEO of the Fremantle Foundation and guitarist of iconic Australian band Eskimo Joe.

Alana McLean will MC the event. Alana is a Perth-based radio and television presenter with a strong connection to Western Australia.

Beyond the speaker sessions, are immersive networking and social events:

• Welcome Function | Wednesday 3 September, 5:00–7:00pm  Gage Roads Freo.
• Members’ Dinner | Wednesday 3 September, 7:15–10:00pm  Emily Taylor
• Gala Dinner – “Classic Rock” Theme on Thursday 4 September, at Freo Social — Delegates will enjoy a night of live music and great food. Inspired by Fremantle icon and AC/DC front man Bon Scott.

 Early bird registration is available until 1 August.  To register or view the full program, look here!  

* By Jean Hudson @jeansodyssey.

Jean is our Shipping and Sailing Correspondent and also a regular feature writer and photographer here on the Shipping News. You may also like to follow up her informative Places I Love stories, as well as other feature stories and Freo Today photographs, right here.

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