Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled its highly anticipated 2026/27 itineraries, with an eye on its Australian expansion when it adds two ships from sister line P&O Cruises Australia in March.

Featuring 201 sailings, a 99% increase from the 2024/25 season, the addition of Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter will see Carnival's fleet grow to four ships, making it Australia's largest cruise line. This expanded fleet offers guests even more choices for unforgettable holidays at sea.

The expanded program includes year-round sailings from Sydney on Carnival Adventure and Carnival Splendor, and from Brisbane on Carnival Encounter and Carnival Luminosa (seasonally). The itineraries feature popular destinations such as Moreton Island, the South Pacific, and the Great Barrier Reef, as well as New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and more, perfect for those looking to explore or revisit key holiday hotspots.

In response to the growing popularity of short getaways, Carnival has expanded its selection of two-to-four-night cruises. These sailings are ideal for first-time cruisers eager to dip their toes in, or for those wanting to make the most of a long weekend. According to research commissioned by Carnival Cruise Line in 2024, one-third (33%) of Aussies report feeling refreshed after a holiday of just three to five days. Carnival will offer 78 short sailings from Sydney, and 43 from Brisbane—more than double the options available in the 2024/25 season.

“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,”

2026/27 ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS:

Cruise from Sydney on Carnival Splendor and Carnival Adventure

From Sydney, Carnival Splendor offers a diverse range of cruise itineraries from two to 12 days, catering to every travel preference. Four-day cruises include Moreton Island and five- and six-day cruises to Tasmania allow guests to explore Hobart and Port Arthur, with the latter offering an overnight stay in Hobart. Nine- and ten-day South Pacific cruises visit Mystery Island, Port Vila and other spectacular island destinations. The ship will also offer several additional longer sailings, including ten-day New Zealand itineraries with multiple departures, offering opportunities to explore vibrant ports such as Wellington, Lyttelton (Christchurch), and Dunedin, along with scenic cruising in Fiordland National Park.

• 4-Day Tangalooma - Moreton Island cruise departing Sydney on 3 August 2026, from $659* per person
• 9-Day South Pacific cruise departing Sydney on 31 August 2026, from $949* per person
• 10-Day New Zealand cruise departing Sydney on 7 November 2026, from $1,319* per person

Carnival Adventure offers a variety of options throughout the 2026/27 cruise season, from weekend getaways and short cruises from Sydney that visit popular Moreton Island, to longer sailings that feature the Great Barrier Reef. A 12-day sailing to Fiji is also set for April 2027 that will take guests 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.              

• 12-Day Fiji Adventure cruise departing Sydney on 26 April 2027, from $1,494* per person
• 6-Day Melbourne Cup cruise departing Sydney on 31 October 2026, from $1,324* per person

Cruise from Brisbane on Carnival Encounter and Carnival Luminosa

Carnival Luminosa will offer a variety of three- to 14-day itineraries departing from Brisbane during its seasonal deployment. A six-day Great Barrier Reef cruise allows guests to explore Airlie Beach and Cairns, with an onboard experience at Willis Island that gives guests glimpses of amazing wildlife as the ship sails near the island. Week-long South Pacific cruises visit destinations such as Mystery Island, Port Vila and others and an eight-day option includes multiple stops in Vanuatu and New Caledonia. Also available is a 14-day Carnival Journeys cruise that highlights the locations where Mutiny on the Bounty took place in 1789 featuring unique ports like Norfolk Island and Nuku'alofa, Tonga.

• 6-Day Great Barrier Reef cruise departing Brisbane on 24 January 2027, from $919* per person
• 3-Day Getaway departing Brisbane on 4 March 2027, from $504* per person

New sailings for Carnival Encounter from Brisbane feature a variety of destinations in the South Pacific and Great Barrier Reef regions. Guests can enjoy multiple short three-day getaway trips and four-day cruises with stops at Airlie Beach. Longer voyages, ranging from six to 10 days, include ports such as Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and other beautiful South Pacific islands. A 12- and 14-day option each visit the picturesque islands of Fiji.

• 14-Day Bounty Adventure cruise departing Brisbane on 1 August 2026, from $1,974* per person
• 8-Day Pacific Island Hopper departing Brisbane on 13 March 2027, from $1,014* per person
  

In June, Carnival Corporation announced that P&O Cruises Australia will consolidate into Carnival Cruise Line, effective in March 2025.  Ahead of the formal transition of ships and supporting online technology, guests can explore the new program of fun-filled adventures by visiting carnival.com.au or pocruises.com.au. Bookings for Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa can be made via carnival.com.au, while Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter are available for booking through pocruises.com.au until 29 March 2025. Cruise guests can also book all itineraries through their favourite travel agent or travel site.

*Prices are in AUD, based on an interior twin cabin.

ENDS

 About Carnival Cruise Line:

Across the globe, more guests have sailed Carnival Cruise Line than any other, and in 2023, Carnival was the first cruise line to welcome its 100 millionth guest. As the World's Most Popular Cruise Line, Carnival is expanding its Australian presence to four ships in 2025. Currently, Carnival Splendor sails year-round from Sydney, and Carnival Luminosa sails seasonally from Brisbane. In March 2025, two additional ships, Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, will join the fleet, solidifying Carnival Cruise Line as Australia's largest cruise line and growing Carnival's global fleet to 29 ships. Designed with fun in mind, Carnival offers a wide variety of accommodations, dining, entertainment and recreational activities for guests of all ages. To learn more about Carnival Cruise Line, visit http://carnival.com.au/

For reservations, contact any travel agent or call 13 31 94.

Carnival can also be found on: 
Facebook: @CarnivalOz 
Instagram: @Carnivalcruiselineau 
YouTube: 

www.youtube.com/user/CarnivalOz