Carnival Cruise Line is set to expand its operations in Australia with the addition of four ships by 2026-27, following the closure of P&O Cruises Australia.
- Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter will join Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa, extending routes from Sydney and Brisbane.
- The ships will cover popular destinations including the South Pacific, the Great Barrier Reef, and New Zealand.
- Fred Stein from Carnival highlights enriched itinerary options designed to showcase the beauty of the South Pacific.
- This strategic expansion is aimed at offering diverse cruising experiences covering key scenic locations.
Carnival Cruise Line is making waves in the Australian cruise market by confirming an extensive expansion with four ships set to operate from 2026 to 2027. This move follows the closure of P&O Cruises Australia, allowing Carnival to absorb the brand and strengthen its foothold in the region.
Two ships, Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, will be transitioning to Carnival’s fleet as part of this expansion. They will join Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa, with itineraries spreading across Sydney and Brisbane. Primarily, these vessels will explore destinations such as Moreton Island, the South Pacific, the Great Barrier Reef, along with New Zealand, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea.
Carnival Splendor will offer varied itineraries from Sydney, ranging from two to 12 days. Highlights of these cruises include a four-day trip to Moreton Island and a five to six-day journey through Tasmania, featuring key spots like Hobart and Port Arthur. Additionally, longer 10-day cruises will navigate New Zealand, visiting ports including Wellington, Lyttelton (Christchurch), and Dunedin, with scenic cruising through Fiordland National Park.
From Sydney, Carnival Adventure will embark on two to 12-day voyages, visiting prominent sites like Moreton Island and the Great Barrier Reef. Notably, a 12-day cruise departing in April 2027 will visit Fiji, with stops at Lautoka and Dravuni Island. Both Carnival Adventure and Carnival Splendor will offer trips to Melbourne, timed to coincide with the renowned Melbourne Cup horse race.
Operating out of Brisbane, Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Encounter will provide a range of three to 14-day cruises. Itineraries include a six-day exploration of the Great Barrier Reef, taking in Airlie Beach and Cairns. Carnival Encounter will focus on the South Pacific and Great Barrier Reef regions.
Fred Stein, Vice President of Itinerary Planning at Carnival, stated: “As we expand our fleet to four ships in Australia and enrich our overall deployment plan, our 2026-27 itineraries significantly increase the options available for the Carnival experience from Sydney and Brisbane.” This statement underscores Carnival’s commitment to delivering a rich and varied cruising experience, tapping into the diverse and picturesque locales of the South Pacific.
This expansion by Carnival Cruise Line promises an enhanced variety of itineraries, allowing guests to explore the diverse and stunning beauty of the South Pacific.
