P&O Cruises Australia to be absorbed into Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Corporation has confirmed that the P&O Cruises Australia brand will be absorbed by Carnival Cruise Line in March 2025.

This change is the latest in a series of strategic moves designed by Carnival Corporation to increase guest capacity for Carnival Cruise Line, the company's flagship brand. This will result in the addition of eight new ships to Carnival Cruise Line's fleet since 2021, including the successful shift of three vessels from sister brand Costa Cruises.

In addition, the company recently placed an order for two new Excel-class cruise ships to join Carnival Cruise Line in 2027 and 2028.

Carnival Corporation said that, in addition to further optimising the composition of its global brand portfolio, the realignment will strengthen the company's performance in the South Pacific through numerous operational efficiencies.

As the P&O Cruises Australia brand retires early next year, the cruise ships Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure (pictured) will be rebranded and operated by Carnival Cruise Line brand. Pacific Explorer will exit the fleet in February of 2025.

Current itineraries will operate business as usual, and guests will be notified in the coming days of any changes to future bookings as a result of this announcement.

When the transition is complete next year, Carnival Cruise Line – which has served the South Pacific since 2013 – will have four ships in the market, including Sydney-based Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa sailing seasonally from Brisbane, in addition to their new sister ships Encounter and Adventure.