Carnival Unveils Exciting Rebranding Plans for P&O Cruises Australia

Carnival Corporation & plc has announced exciting changes for Australian cruisers: the P&O Cruises Australia brand will be dissolved, and two of its three ships will be integrated into Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet. This transition means more fun and adventure on the horizon for Aussie travellers.

A New Era of Fun

The rebranding of P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter into Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter will see Carnival Cruise Line doubling its presence in Australia. Carnival Adventure will sail year-round from Sydney, joining Carnival Splendor, while Carnival Encounter will be homeported in Brisbane alongside Carnival Luminosa, which also sails from Brisbane during the summer season before heading to Alaska for the northern hemisphere’s summer.

The fun kicks off in March 2025, with a host of exciting redesigns and new experiences to be introduced before the ships’ first sailings under the Carnival banner.

Signature Carnival Experiences

Kara Glamore, VP of Sales and Marketing, highlighted the unique opportunity this transition presents. “This transition presents a unique opportunity to combine the best of P&O Cruises Australia and Carnival Cruise Line as the brand expands its footprint in Australia,” she said.

On both Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, guests can look forward to the iconic Fun Squad—a team of activities leaders hosting games, contests, trivia, dancing, and more. Theme nights such as the 80s Rock-N-Glow Party and Silent White-Hot Night will bring energetic dance parties to the ships. Traditional Elegant Nights will also be part of the fun.

Dining and Activities

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., guests can enjoy free, unlimited daily pizza, with additional charges applying outside these hours. The youngest cruisers will be welcomed into the Turtles program, offering activities and enrichment for children under two years old, with options for parents to drop off their little ones for some alone time for a small fee.

Other Carnival favourites making their way to Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter include the Build-a-Bear activity, KultureCity sensory kits, and more.

Honouring P&O Cruises Heritage

While embracing new Carnival fun, the two ships will retain some beloved P&O Cruises features. “P&O fans will recognise many of their favourite dining and entertainment options, while experiencing the added fun and flair that Carnival is famous for around the world,” said Deborah Cogin, VP Guest Experience.

Luke’s Bar & Grill and Luke’s Burgers, along with New Zealand Natural ice cream, will remain onboard. The Edge Adventure Park will continue to offer thrilling activities like zip lining, balancing, and climbing. The exclusive Byron Beach Club will still be available to guests in suites and selected mini-suites.

Looking Ahead

In 2025, Carnival Cruise Line expects nearly 600,000 guests to sail from Sydney and Brisbane combined. “Carnival Cruise Line remains the only cruise line globally to demonstrate this level of commitment to Australia, sailing year-round and supporting thousands of local jobs while delivering unforgettable holiday experiences in Australia and the South Pacific,” Glamore added.

Carnival Adventure will offer diverse itineraries from Sydney, including visits to Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Queensland, Willis Island, and more. Meanwhile, Carnival Encounter will offer similar itineraries from Brisbane, with special sailings to the Barrier Reef, Papua New Guinea, and extended trips to Fiji.

With these exciting changes, Carnival Cruise Line is set to bring even more joy and adventure to Australian cruisers. Get ready to set sail and experience the best of Carnival’s fun and hospitality down under!