CCL-Carnival Cruise Line is preparing for its Australian expansion with the addition of two ships from P&O Cruises Australia, Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, in March 2025. Alongside this expansion, the cruise line has opened bookings for its 2026-2027 itineraries, offering a wider array of cruise options from Australia.
With 4 ships sailing from Australian ports - Carnival Adventure, Carnival Splendor, Carnival Encounter, and the seasonally deployed Carnival Luminosa - guests will have more choices for memorable cruise vacations. The expanded program includes sailings from Sydney aboard Carnival Adventure and Carnival Splendor, while Carnival Encounter and Carnival Luminosa will sail from Brisbane. These ships will visit popular destinations such as Moreton Island, the South Pacific, the Great Barrier Reef, New Zealand, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea.
From Sydney, Carnival Splendor offers a diverse range of itineraries, from 2- to 12-day voyages. Short cruises include 4-day sailings to Moreton Island, while 5- and 6-day itineraries explore Tasmania, with visits to Hobart and Port Arthur. Longer cruises of 9 and 10 days take guests to the South Pacific, including stops at Mystery Island and Port Vila. Additionally, Carnival Splendor will offer several 10-day sailings to New Zealand, featuring stops in Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and scenic cruising through Fiordland National Park.
Carnival Adventure, also sailing from Sydney, will provide a mix of short and long itineraries ranging from 2 to 12 days. Highlights include weekend getaways, cruises to the Great Barrier Reef, and a 12-day voyage to Fiji in April 2027, with visits to Lautoka and Dravuni Island. Both Carnival Adventure and Carnival Splendor will also offer cruises to Melbourne for the Melbourne Cup, one of Australia’s premier sporting events.
Carnival Luminosa, during her seasonal deployment from Brisbane, will feature 3- to 14-day itineraries. A 6-day Great Barrier Reef cruise will call at Airlie Beach and Cairns, while 7-day South Pacific cruises will visit Mystery Island, Port Vila, and other island destinations. A 14-day Carnival Journeys cruise will trace the route of the Mutiny on the Bounty, calling at unique ports such as Norfolk Island and Tonga.
Carnival Encounter, sailing year-round from Brisbane, will offer a variety of itineraries in the South Pacific and Great Barrier Reef regions. These include short 3-day getaways, 4-day cruises to Airlie Beach, and longer 6- to 10-day voyages to destinations such as Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea. Guests can also embark on extended 12- and 14-day cruises that visit the picturesque islands of Fiji.