CCL-Carnival Cruise Line has announced its expansion in Australia, introducing Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, formerly P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter. Beginning March 2025, this move will increase Carnival’s Australian fleet to 4 ships, reinforcing its position as the leading year-round cruise operator in the region.
While retaining popular P&O dining and entertainment options, the ships will incorporate Carnival’s hallmark “Fun Ship” experience, blending familiar favorites with new onboard features.
New additions to Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter:
- Carnival Fun Squad: Delivering Carnival’s signature energy, the Fun Squad will host comedy shows, trivia, deck parties, and games for all ages.
- Turtles Kids Club: A childcare program for children under two, featuring arts, crafts, sensory play, and guided activities managed by qualified professionals.
- Daily Free Pizza: Guests can enjoy unlimited pizza slices, served between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.
- Carnival Classics: Activities such as Build-A-Bear workshops, Conga for Kids dance parties, and 80s Rock and Glow nights will debut on these vessels.
The ships will also retain P&O’s well-loved amenities, including the Byron Beach Club retreat, the Edge Adventure Park, and dining venues such as Luke Mangan’s Luke’s Bar & Grill, Angelo’s, and Dragon Lady. Entertainment highlight Blanc de Blanc will remain part of the onboard experience.
Deployment plans:
- Carnival Adventure will homeport year-round in Sydney, joining Carnival Splendor.
- Carnival Encounter will operate from Brisbane year-round, joined seasonally by Carnival Luminosa.
Both ships will undergo a 2-week wet dock in March 2025 before re-entering service under the Carnival banner. With this expansion, Carnival Cruise Line anticipates accommodating ~600,000 guests across its Sydney and Brisbane departures in 2025, doubling its capacity and enhancing options for Australian cruisers.