Carnival Cruise Line Expands Australian Itineraries for 2026/27

Carnival Cruise Line is gearing up for a significant expansion in Australia, adding two ships from its sister line, P&O Cruises Australia, in March 2025. With the introduction of Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter to the fleet, guests will have more choices than ever for fun and memorable cruise vacations from Australia. The expanded program includes sailings from Sydney and Brisbane, featuring popular destinations such as Moreton Island, the South Pacific, the Great Barrier Reef, New Zealand, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea.

A New Era of Cruising from Sydney

From Sydney, Carnival Splendor and Carnival Adventure will offer a diverse range of itineraries, catering to every travel preference. Highlights include:

• Short Getaways: Four-day cruises to Moreton Island.
• Tasmanian Adventures: Five- and six-day cruises to Tasmania, exploring Hobart and Port Arthur, with overnight stays in Hobart.
• South Pacific Escapes: Nine- and 10-day cruises to Mystery Island, Port Vila, and other spectacular island destinations.
• New Zealand Voyages: 10-day itineraries with multiple departures, visiting vibrant ports such as Wellington, Lyttelton (Christchurch), and Dunedin, along with scenic cruising in Fiordland National Park.
• Fiji Exploration: A 12-day sailing in April 2027 to exotic destinations like Lautoka and Dravuni Island.

Both ships will also offer cruises to Melbourne for the Melbourne Cup, Australia’s most popular horse race.

Exciting Itineraries from Brisbane

From Brisbane, Carnival Encounter and Carnival Luminosa (seasonally) will provide a variety of itineraries, including:

• Great Barrier Reef Cruises: Six-day voyages exploring Airlie Beach and Cairns, with an onboard experience at Willis Island.
• South Pacific Journeys: Week-long cruises to destinations such as Mystery Island and Port Vila, with an eight-day option including multiple stops in Vanuatu and New Caledonia.
• Carnival Journeys: A 14-day cruise highlighting the locations where Mutiny on the Bounty took place in 1789, featuring unique ports like Norfolk Island and Nuku’alofa, Tonga.
• Short Getaways: Three-day trips and four-day cruises with stops at Airlie Beach.
• Longer Voyages: Six- to 10-day cruises to Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and other beautiful South Pacific islands.
• Fiji Adventures: 12- and 14-day options visiting the picturesque islands of Fiji.

Expanding Choices and Experiences

Fred Stein, Vice President of Itinerary Planning, expressed excitement about the expanded offerings, stating, “As we expand our fleet to four ships in Australia and enrich our overall deployment plan, our 2026/27 itineraries significantly increase the options available for the Carnival experience from Sydney and Brisbane. Guests interested in a cruise from Australia are bound to find the perfect itinerary, whether they’re looking to explore a new region or revisit key vacation destinations – all showcasing the diverse beauty of the South Pacific.”

Are you ready to set sail on a Carnival cruise from Australia? Which destination are you most excited to explore? Share your thoughts and plans in the comments below!