Carnival Cruises Australia Guide

Carnival Cruises Australia

Carnival Cruises Australia offers vibrant, fun-filled cruise experiences tailored for Australians and international travellers, primarily departing from Sydney and Brisbane. Operating their two original ships, Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa, plus their new (old) ships acquired from P&O, Carnival Encounter and Carnival Adventure, Carnival delivers a mix of entertainment, dining, with itineraries across Australia, the South Pacific, and New Zealand.

Key Features
Fun for Everyone: Known for its “Fun Ship” vibe, Carnival caters to all ages with activities like WaterWorks waterslides, Camp Ocean for kids, and the adults-only Serenity Retreat. Enjoy live music, comedy at Punchliner Comedy Club, and Broadway-style shows.
Dining Options: Included dining includes Lido Marketplace and main dining rooms, while specialty venues like Guy’s Burger Joint, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, and Bonsai Sushi offer elevated experiences.
Accommodations: Options range from budget-friendly interior cabins to balcony suites and family-friendly connecting rooms. Havana Cabana suites offer exclusive pool access. On the ex P&O ships there is the more expensive and more premium Byron Bay experience.
Affordable Value: Fares include many activities, entertainment, and dining, with frequent promotions for added savings. Watch out for added charges especially when onboard the newly acquired ex P&O ships.

Popular Itineraries
-South Pacific: Visit New Caledonia (Noumea), Vanuatu (Port Vila), and Fiji for beaches, snorkeling, and cultural experiences.
- Australian Coast: Explore Moreton Island, Airlie Beach, or Tasmania’s Port Arthur.
- New Zealand: Cruise to Wellington, Christchurch, or Fiordland National Park for stunning scenery.
- Short Getaways: 3- to 5-night cruises to nowhere or nearby ports, ideal for first-timers.

Onboard Highlights
- Entertainment: Deck parties, trivia, karaoke, and Playlist Productions theater shows.
- Activities: SkyRide (select ships), ropes course, Twister Waterslide, and Cloud 9 Spa for relaxation.
- Tech: The Carnival Hub App helps you manage schedules, dining, and events.

Tips
- Book Early: Especially for school holidays, as popular sailings fill fast.
- Shore Excursions: Book through Carnival for guided tours like snorkeling or cultural experiences.
- Beverage Packages: Consider the Cheers! Package for drinks.

Why cruise with Carnival? and Why not to cruise with Carnival?
Carnival Cruises Australia stands out for its lively atmosphere, diverse destinations, and lower cost of the cruise itself. They sale all year round unlike other cruise lines and  have departures from major Australian ports to the South Pacific or Australia’s coast.

However, compare the full cost with the other lines as the lack of inclusion can increase the on-board cost. Carnival can be louder and party based which may or may not be what you want from a cruise. Carnival have only just taken over the P&O brand and the early reviews of this transition are mixed. Compare the full price of Carnival and not just the base price.