Carnival Cruise Line today announced that Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Adventure will leave Australia in March 2028 as part of the cruise line's long-term global fleet planning.
Carnival Luminosa, which has sailed seasonally from Brisbane since the industry re-started in 2022, will make her final voyage from Sydney on 15 March 2028. Carnival Adventure will depart Sydney on 20 March 2028 and will not return to Australia as originally planned. Carnival Splendor and Carnival Encounter continue to sail year-round from Sydney and Brisbane respectively.
This decision reflects a range of factors considered when ships are deployed several years in advance, including the importance of long-term certainty and globally competitive operating conditions to support itinerary planning and investment.
As the only cruise line sailing year-round from Australia, Carnival has a larger and more direct commitment to the local market than other cruise lines.
The Federal Government recently extended the cruise industry's ability to sail between Australian ports until the end of 2028 while continuing to develop a long-term licensing regime for cruising.
"The extension is a welcome but interim step while the long-term operating framework for the Australian cruise sector is developed over the next two years," Carnival Cruise Line Country Manager Peter Little said.
"As the only cruise line with ships dedicated year-round to Australia, Carnival has greater exposure to changes in local market and operating conditions than cruise lines with a seasonal or more limited presence.
"We will continue to work constructively with the Federal Government as it develops the future arrangements for cruise ships operating in the Australian market."
Mr Little said guests should take advantage of sailing over the next 18 months, as Carnival delivers a wide choice of fun, great-value sailings over the next two summers.
"Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Adventure have both played an important role in our Australian story, and many guests have enjoyed sailing on them to destinations across the South Pacific, including Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea. There is still plenty of time to experience everything these ships have to offer," Mr Little said.
"There will be more opportunity for great value cruise holidays on Carnival Splendor and Carnival Encounter when the 2028/29 program is released in the coming weeks."
For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation on Carnival, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit http://carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.
