Carnival Cruise Line’s Australia operations have expanded with the official addition of Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, bringing the fleet to a record 29 vessels. These ships will welcome over half a million guests from Sydney and Brisbane this year, reflecting Carnival’s growth and commitment to the region.
This significant milestone underscores Carnival’s dedication to delivering its signature FUN Down Under while honouring the heritage of P&O Australia. Whether seeking a weekend escape or an extended voyage, travellers can anticipate vibrant deck parties, engaging entertainment and family-friendly activities across both ships.
The introduction of the two ships was celebrated in Sydney and Brisbane, where Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy led ceremonies to mark their homeport debuts. In Sydney, a special event welcomed Carnival Adventure, while a similar celebration in Brisbane heralded Carnival Encounter’s arrival.
Dignitaries and guests gathered to witness the raising of Carnival’s colours, symbolising the transition from Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter to their new identities. The festivities showcased the cruise line’s hallmark atmosphere, combining lively performances, interactive games by the Fun Squad and a warm reception from long-standing cruising enthusiasts.
During each ceremony, senior officials highlighted the importance of community engagement and regional partnerships. Speeches emphasised Carnival’s commitment to sustainable tourism growth, while local musicians and food artisans added a distinctly Australian flavour to the celebrations, creating an authentic experience for attendees.
Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter have been transformed into Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, seamlessly blending P&O Australia’s beloved features with Carnival’s renowned offerings. Updated livery and refreshed stateroom décor create a contemporary ambiance, while expanded entertainment zones invite guests to explore new experiences.
The ships now host themed parties, comedy nights and live music stages alongside P&O’s casual dining venues. This fusion of styles caters to experienced Australian cruisers and international visitors alike, delivering a diverse and welcoming onboard environment.
Refurbished staterooms feature modern furnishings, enhanced storage solutions and upgraded technology, including digital cabin controls and high-speed Wi-Fi. Public spaces have been reconfigured to accommodate interactive workshops, pop-up markets and wellness sessions, ensuring that every voyage feels fresh and tailored to passenger interests.
Guests can access Carnival’s industry-leading HubApp to plan their holiday with ease. The app enables reservations for specialty dining and shore excursions, messaging between guests and exploration of daily schedules to ensure a seamless cruise experience.
Membership in Carnival’s VIFP Club provides exclusive benefits such as priority boarding, onboard discounts and special offers in bars and boutiques. Dining options range from the Lido Deck buffet to specialty venues like Luke’s Bar & Grill, where premium cuisine and creative cocktails elevate mealtime.
The Fun Squad orchestrates deck parties, 80s Rock & Glow nights and stand-up comedy events that energise evenings. In addition, immersive digital art installations and interactive culinary demos engage guests of all ages, offering unique moments of discovery beyond the dance floor.
Carnival’s expanded presence in Sydney and Brisbane supports local economies and strengthens community partnerships. The increase in sailings generates demand for regional suppliers of fresh produce, boutique wines and artisanal products, while local businesses benefit from greater portside foot traffic.
Crew members participate in community initiatives such as environmental clean-ups and cultural events, reinforcing Carnival’s commitment to sustainable growth and positive local engagement at each homeport.
The creation of new roles, from culinary experts to excursion hosts, has also boosted employment opportunities across both cities. Carnival collaborates with vocational institutions to offer training programmes, ensuring crew and local contractors uphold world-class service standards.
Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter offer a range of itineraries to suit diverse preferences. Departures from Sydney include short getaways to Pacific Island destinations and longer voyages exploring the Whitsundays and New Caledonia.
From Brisbane, guests can choose weekend escapes to the Sunshine Coast or multi-day journeys calling at Fraser Island, Vanuatu and the Bay of Islands in New Zealand. Flexible scheduling aligns with school holidays and long weekends for convenient planning.
These itineraries cater to solo travellers, couples seeking a romantic retreat, multi-generational families and friend groups seeking adventure. Special themed sailings—such as wine-tasting voyages and family fun cruises—add extra depth to the typical sun-and-sea offerings.
Carnival Adventure’s and Carnival Encounter’s dynamic itineraries ensure there’s an option to match every traveller’s interests and timelines. Plan your perfect cruise with easy-to-use filters and expert tips at Cruise Finder.
Bookings are now open for Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter. Travellers are invited to contact S.W. Black Travel to secure their cruise and benefit from expert guidance in selecting the perfect sailing.