In a significant shift within the cruising industry, Carnival Corporation has announced that it will retire the P&O Cruises Australia brand in March 2025, integrating its operations into Carnival Cruise Line. This strategic move aims to enhance guest capacity and optimize the company’s performance in the South Pacific region.
Transition Details
The Pacific Encounter (former Princess Cruises Star Princess) and Pacific Adventure (former Princess Cruises Golden Princess) ships will be rebranded and will continue to operate under the Carnival Cruise Line banner. However, the Pacific Explorer (former Princess Cruises Dawn Princess) will exit the fleet in February 2025. This rebranding effort will increase Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet by eight new ships since 2021, which includes the incorporation of three vessels from Costa Cruises. Additionally, Carnival Corporation has ordered two new Excel-class ships set to join the fleet in 2027 and 2028.
The move will see Carnival Cruise Line’s capacity grow significantly. While the overall growth for Carnival Corporation between 2019 and 2028 is projected to be modest, Carnival Cruise Line is expected to expand by approximately 50% during this period. This realignment not only strengthens Carnival’s market presence but also optimizes operational efficiencies in the South Pacific.
Impact on P&O Cruises Australia
The transition marks the end of an era for P&O Cruises Australia, a brand with a rich 90-year heritage in the region. Current itineraries will operate as planned, with guests being notified of any changes to future bookings.
The strategic reality of the South Pacific’s small population and significantly higher operating and regulatory costs have driven this decision. Carnival Corporation aims to ensure the continued delivery of exceptional cruise experiences year-round.
Future Operations
Once the transition is complete, Carnival Cruise Line will have four ships operating in the Australian market. This includes the Sydney-based Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa, which will sail seasonally from Brisbane, alongside the newly rebranded Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure.
P&O Australia’s Pacific Explorer, after a dedicated service run, will embark on its final cruise on February 7, 2025, from Fremantle to Singapore. The 1997-built vessel, part of a series of ships that began with the 1995-built Sun Princess, has been a staple in the Australian cruising landscape since 2017. Following its final voyage, the ship is expected to leave Carnival Corporation’s fleet.