Carnival Cruise Line’s two newest ships, Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, are preparing to set sail on their maiden voyages from Sydney and Brisbane.
The addition of the former P&O ships, previously known as Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter, completes the integration of P&O Australia into the Carnival brand. The ships have been updated with Carnival branding but will keep some signature elements from P&O.
Carnival Corporation’s P&O Australia, which operated three ships, had been in business for over 90 years. The brand’s other ship, Pacific Explorer, has been sold to Star Cruises and will sail as Star Voyager.
With the two new additions, CCL now has the largest fleet in its 53-year history, totaling 29 ships.
Carnival Adventure and Carnival Explorer will allow Carnival to expand operations in Australia
Carnival Adventure was officially welcomed into the Carnival fleet on Friday, March 28 during a celebration in Sydney led by Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy. A second event will be held on Saturday, March 29 in Brisbane, Carnival Encounter‘s homeport. On that same day, guests will be welcomed aboard from both homeports for each ship’s first Carnival sailing.
Related: 7 Reasons Why Sydney Australia Is One of the Best Cruise Ports in the World
Along with voyages on Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa, Carnival expects to sail more than 500,000 guests from homeports in Australia this year.
“Our expansion in Australia demonstrates incredible enthusiasm for our brand and we’re grateful to our loyal guests who continue to drive our ongoing growth, solidifying Carnival as the world’s most popular cruise line,” Duffy stated in a press release.
“Doubling the fun in our Australia homeports enables us to deliver more sailing options, offer more variety and deepen our partnerships in the Sydney and Brisbane communities,” she continued.
On board, cruisers can experience P&O dining favorites like Luke’s Bar & Grill, along with signature Carnival touches. Carnival’s crew will aim to create the fun and friendly atmosphere the cruise line is known for, with the Fun Squad hosting deck parties and activities.
Other Carnival experiences and activities have been added as well, including comedy shows and 80s Rock and Glow nights for adults, and Build-A-Bear workshops, Seuss at Sea and Camp Ocean for junior cruisers.
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Have you sailed aboard Adventure or Encounter when they were P&O Australia ships? Or do you have cruises booked now that they’ve joined the Carnival fleet? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
