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 vessels, reinforcing its position as the leading year-round cruise operator in the region.
While retaining popular P&O Australia dining and entertainment options, the ships will incorporate CCL’s “Fun Ship” experience, blending favorites with new onboard features.
New additions to Carnival Adventure (now Pacific Adventure) and Carnival Encounter (now Pacific Encounter):
- Carnival Fun Squad: Delivering CCL’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 homeport in Brisbane year-round, joined seasonally by Carnival Luminosa.
Both former P&O AU ships will undergo 2-week wet docks (in March 2025) before restarting operations for CCL.
With this expansion, CCL anticipates accommodating ~600,000 guests across its Sydney and Brisbane departures in 2025, doubling its capacity and enhancing options for Australian cruisers.