Carnival Cruise Line is set to make waves in the Australian cruise market with the unveiling of its highly anticipated 2026/27 Pacific holiday itineraries. This exciting announcement comes alongside the company's strategic expansion in Australia, marked by the addition of two new ships from its sister line, P&O Cruises Australia, scheduled for March 2025. With a remarkable 99% increase in sailings compared to the 2024/25 season, Carnival Cruise Line is poised to become Australia's largest cruise operator, offering an unparalleled array of holiday options for Australian travellers.
Expanded Fleet: Growing to Four Ships
In a significant move to bolster its presence in the Australian market, Carnival Cruise Line is expanding its fleet to include four magnificent vessels. The introduction of Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter complements the existing Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa, ensuring a diverse range of options for cruise enthusiasts. This expansion not only increases the number of sailings but also enhances the variety of experiences available to guests, from intimate weekend getaways to extensive explorations of the South Pacific.
Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter
Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter bring a fresh dynamic to Carnival’s fleet with their state-of-the-art amenities and innovative designs. These ships are crafted to provide maximum comfort and entertainment, featuring spacious cabins, multiple dining venues, and a plethora of onboard activities. Whether you're seeking relaxation by the pool, engaging in exciting shore excursions, or enjoying world-class entertainment, these new additions ensure that every guest's preferences are catered to.
Increased Sailings: A 99% Boost
For the 2026/27 cruise season, Carnival Cruise Line is offering an impressive 201 sailings, marking a 99% increase from the previous 2024/25 season. This substantial growth underscores Carnival's commitment to providing Australians with more opportunities to embark on memorable voyages. The expanded schedule includes a mix of year-round sailings from Sydney and Brisbane, ensuring that travellers have access to cruises that fit their schedules and holiday plans.
Year-Round Sailings from Sydney and Brisbane
From Sydney, guests can choose from sailings on Carnival Splendor and Carnival Adventure, while Brisbane will see departures on Carnival Encounter and seasonally on Carnival Luminosa. This strategic deployment allows Carnival to offer a wide range of itineraries that cater to different interests and durations, from short getaways to extended adventures across the Pacific.
Itinerary Highlights: Explore the Pacific in Style
Carnival’s 2026/27 itineraries feature a blend of popular destinations and hidden gems, perfect for both first-time cruisers and seasoned travellers looking to explore new horizons.
Cruises from Sydney on Carnival Splendor and Carnival Adventure
Carnival Splendor offers a diverse selection of cruises from Sydney, ranging from two to twelve days. Highlights include:
- 4-Day Tangalooma - Moreton Island Cruise
Departing Sydney on 3 August 2026, from AU$659 per person
Explore the pristine Moreton Island with opportunities for snorkelling, sandboarding, and interacting with wild dolphins. - 9-Day South Pacific Cruise
Departing Sydney on 31 August 2026, from AU$949 per person
Visit stunning destinations like Mystery Island and Port Vila, enjoying the vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes of the South Pacific. - 10-Day New Zealand Cruise
Departing Sydney on 7 November 2026, from AU$1,319 per person
Discover the natural beauty of New Zealand, including stops in Wellington, Lyttelton (Christchurch), and Dunedin, with scenic cruising through Fiordland National Park.
Carnival Adventure enhances the Sydney lineup with versatile options, including:
- 12-Day Fiji Adventure Cruise
Departing Sydney on 26 April 2027, from AU$1,494 per person
Journey to exotic destinations like Lautoka and Dravuni Island, experiencing the unparalleled beauty and culture of Fiji. - 6-Day Melbourne Cup Cruise
Departing Sydney on 31 October 2026, from AU$1,324 per person
Celebrate Australia’s most popular horse race while exploring Melbourne’s vibrant harbour and cultural landmarks.
Cruises from Brisbane on Carnival Encounter and Carnival Luminosa
Carnival Luminosa offers a range of three to fourteen-day itineraries from Brisbane, including:
- 6-Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Departing Brisbane on 24 January 2027, from AU$919 per person
Explore the iconic Great Barrier Reef, visit Airlie Beach and Cairns, and enjoy wildlife encounters near Willis Island. - 3-Day Getaway Cruise
Departing Brisbane on 4 March 2027, from AU$504 per person
Perfect for a short break, this cruise offers a quick escape to beautiful coastal destinations.
Carnival Encounter expands Brisbane’s offerings with exciting new sailings:
- 14-Day Bounty Adventure Cruise
Departing Brisbane on 1 August 2026, from AU$1,974 per person
Trace the historic Mutiny on the Bounty expedition, visiting Norfolk Island and Nuku'alofa, Tonga. - 8-Day Pacific Island Hopper
Departing Brisbane on 13 March 2027, from AU$1,014 per person
Hop between picturesque South Pacific islands, including Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, enjoying diverse cultures and stunning landscapes.
Catering to Short Getaways
Responding to the growing demand for shorter holiday options, Carnival Cruise Line has significantly expanded its selection of two-to-four-night cruises. According to research commissioned by Carnival in 2024, one-third of Australians feel refreshed after a holiday of just three to five days. To meet this demand, Carnival is offering 78 short sailings from Sydney and 43 from Brisbane—more than double the options available in the previous season. These brief cruises are ideal for first-time cruisers or those looking to maximise their time off with a quick escape to popular destinations like Moreton Island and the Great Barrier Reef.
“As we expand our fleet to four ships, our commitment to Australia has never been stronger. With our 2026/27 itineraries offering four times the fun,” said Kara Glamore, Vice President of Carnival Cruise Line Australia. She continued, “We're excited to provide a wider selection for Aussie travellers. In response to market demand, we've increased our short getaway options with two-to-four-day sailings, allowing everyone, from first timers to time-poor travellers, to enjoy unforgettable holidays at sea.”
Awaiting Adventure with P&O Cruises Australia and Beyond
Carnival Cruise Line's expansion and the unveiling of its 2026/27 Pacific holiday itineraries mark a significant milestone in the Australian cruise market. With a four-ship fleet, a substantial increase in sailings, and a diverse range of itineraries catering to both long-term explorers and short-term getaway enthusiasts, Carnival is poised to deliver unforgettable holiday experiences at sea. Whether you're planning an extensive journey through the South Pacific or a quick escape to the Great Barrier Reef, Carnival Cruise Line offers a myriad of options to suit every traveller's needs.
Ready to embark on your next adventure? Reach out to our team to explore the best itineraries and cruise options with Carnival today.
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