Carnival Cruise Line has announced plans to sail from more homeports than ever before in Australia and New Zealand in 2027/2028, underscoring its commitment as the only cruise line to sail year-round in this region.
The world’s most popular cruise line today released its 2027/28 program, announcing continued year-round sailing from the marquee ports of Sydney and Brisbane, as well as Carnival Cruise Line’s first-ever seasons in Adelaide and Auckland.
After returning from dry dock in March 2027, Carnival Adventure will homeport in Melbourne — marking Carnival Cruise Line’s first homeport season in the city in eight years. The latest program release also confirms a second Melbourne season in 2028.
Carnival Cruise Line’s new program includes:
- Over 200 cruises across four ships
- 39 destinations to be visited across Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific
- Taking more than 500,000 guests on memorable holidays over the 12 months
“Carnival is sailing from five homeports in Australia and New Zealand in 2027/28, and we remain the only global cruise line committed to sailing in this region year-round,” Carnival Corporation & plc Country Manager Peter Little said.
“Carnival Cruise Line has answered the call from our interstate and New Zealand guests who’ve been asking for more opportunities to book a convenient and great value cruise holiday, and we’re delighted to be offering voyages from Adelaide, Melbourne and Auckland as well as our traditional ports of Sydney and Brisbane.”
The voyages are expected to be in high demand among multi-generational families and groups of friends, who can spend precious time together on a fun and convenient holiday onboard a cruise ship.
Adelaide grandmother and Carnival Cruise Line fan Shirley Van Hout said, “When I heard the news, I was ecstatic. It’s about time Adelaide has a cruise ship, as it would mean easier access. What’s good about cruise is everything is under one roof.”
Carnival Adventure will be homeporting in Adelaide, Melbourne, Auckland, and Sydney. Carnival Splendor will continue to homeport year-round in Sydney, while Carnival Encounter will be based year-round in Brisbane and will be joined by Carnival Luminosa in the summer.
Auckland (May – July 2027)
Carnival Adventure will take guests on a brand-new four-night itinerary to Norfolk Island, alongside a selection of longer nine- and 10-night journeys to Fiji, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia for a total of nine departures, ending with a four-night one-way voyage from Auckland to Sydney departing July 29, 2027.
Melbourne (January – February 2028)
Beginning Jan. 31, 2028, Carnival Adventure will start her second Melbourne homeport season, offering a mix of two- to three-night getaways as well as four-night Kangaroo Island escapes for a total of eight departures, ending with a two-night one-way voyage from Melbourne to Adelaide departing Feb. 25, 2028.
Adelaide (February – March 2028)
Carnival Adventure’s Adelaide sailings will include two- to four-night short getaways as well as a five-night South Australia coastal itinerary visiting Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln, for a total of five departures, ending with a three-night one-way voyage from Adelaide to Sydney departing March 14, 2028.
Sydney (year-round)
Guests can choose from an extensive mix of sailings, including two- to five-night getaways with calls to Moreton Island, Philip Island, Eden, and Tasmania, as well as more extended tropical holidays, including nine- to 10-night voyages to Vanuatu and New Caledonia and eight- to nine-night Great Barrier Reef cruises.
The program also features the popular six-night Melbourne Cup cruise, 12-night Fiji & South Pacific, and 14-night Mutiny on the Bounty & Fiji sailings.
Brisbane (year-round)
Carnival will offer guests four-night Airlie Beach cruises as well as three-night Getaway sailings perfect for a quick escape.
The program also features six- to seven-night Great Barrier Reef cruises, as well as eight- to nine-night South Pacific voyages, including 14-night Mutiny on the Bounty & Fiji and 10-night Papua New Guinea voyages.
For the first time, Carnival will introduce a brand-new nine-night Tasmania itinerary sailing from Brisbane, calling at Hobart, Port Arthur, and Eden, as well as for the first time, scenic cruising in Great Oyster Bay.
For more information on Carnival Cruise Line’s 2027/28 program visit carnival.com.au- Opens in new window or your local travel agent or call 13 31 94.
