Carnival Cruise Line has revealed exciting changes in store as it prepares to expand to four ships and double the fun to Australia starting in March 2025. Carnival is expanding with the addition of P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter, rebranded as Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter.
Two New Ships In 2025
This move will ensure P&O’s favorite dining and entertaining options remain, while introducing Carnival’s signature “Fun Ship” experience, giving guests the best of both worlds. Carnival, the world’s most popular cruise line, has cemented its commitment to Australia, as the leading cruise line offering Aussies year-round holidays at sea. Exciting New Features Guests will be thrilled to discover new additions onboard Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, including:
- Carnival’s Iconic Fun Squad: Bringing the brand’s trademark “Fun Ship” energy to life, the Fun Squad will host everything from hilarious comedy shows and trivia to deck parties and games, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for all ages. •
- Turtles Kids Club: A brand-new childcare program for children under two, offering arts and crafts, story time, dancing, and sensory play under the guidance of qualified childcare professionals, giving parents a well-deserved break. • Free Daily Pizza: Guests can indulge in unlimited slices of happiness, served daily between 11 am and 4 pm.
- Carnival Favorites: For the first time, guests onboard will enjoy beloved Carnival activities like Build-A-Bear workshops, the Conga for Kids line dance party, and the electrifying 80s Rock and Glow nights, adding even more fun to their experience.
Fun Favorites Here to Stay
The rebranded ships will also retain a range of P&O favorites, including the exclusive retreat Byron Beach Club, the thrill-seeking Edge Adventure Park, Luke Mangan’s specialty restaurant Luke’s Bar & Grill, as well as popular dining options Angelo’s and Dragon Lady. Much-loved show Blanc de Blanc also continues, ensuring a balance of the familiar and the new. “P&O fans will recognize many of their favorite dining and entertainment options, while experiencing the added fun and flair that Carnival is famous for around the world,” said VP Guest Experience Deborah Cogin. VP Sales and Marketing Kara Glamore added, “This transition presents a unique opportunity to combine the best of P&O Cruises Australia and Carnival Cruise Line as the brand expands its footprint in Australia.” Once rebranded, Carnival Adventure will sail year-round from Sydney, joining sister ship Carnival Splendor. Carnival Encounter will homeport in Brisbane year-round, with Carnival Luminosa joining her during the summer season. In 2025, nearly 600,000 guests are expected to sail from Sydney and Brisbane on Carnival, as Australia’s most popular cruise line. “Carnival Cruise Line remains the only cruise line globally to demonstrate this level of commitment to Australia, sailing year-round and supporting thousands of local jobs while delivering unforgettable holiday experiences in Australia and the South Pacific,” said Glamore. Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter will undergo a two-week wet dock in March 2025 before emerging as Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, ready to continue their journeys under the Carnival banner. Bookings for Adventure and Encounter can continue to be made via the P&O website www.pocruises.com.au until March 2025, while Splendor and Luminosa bookings are made via the Carnival Cruise Line website www.carnival.com.au.