Carnival Corporation to Merge P&O Cruises Australia with Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Corporation & plc has announced a strategic realignment that will see P&O Cruises Australia absorbed into Carnival Cruise Line by March 2025. This move is part of a broader effort to optimize the company’s brand portfolio and enhance operational efficiencies.

Increasing Capacity and Operational Efficiencies

Starting in March 2025, the P&O Cruises Australia brand will be retired, and its operations will be integrated into Carnival Cruise Line. This change will increase Carnival Cruise Line’s capacity and operational efficiency. The move will add eight new ships to Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet since 2021, including three vessels transferred from Costa Cruises. Additionally, two new Excel-class ships will join the fleet in 2027 and 2028.

Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc, stated, “Despite increasing Carnival Cruise Line’s capacity by almost 25% since 2019, guest demand remains incredibly strong. By absorbing P&O Cruises Australia, we leverage our scale more effectively, with Carnival Cruise Line making up approximately 35% of our total global capacity by early next year.”

Enhancing the South Pacific Presence

This strategic alignment is also aimed at strengthening Carnival Corporation’s performance in the South Pacific through various operational efficiencies. P&O Cruises Australia’s ships, Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure, will be rebranded under Carnival Cruise Line. Pacific Explorer will exit the fleet in February 2025.

Weinstein acknowledged the contributions of P&O Cruises Australia, noting, “Given the strategic reality of the South Pacific’s small population and higher operating costs, this adjustment will allow us to deliver an exceptional cruise experience year-round.”

Maintaining a Strong Presence in the Region

Carnival Cruise Line has been serving the South Pacific since 2013 and will continue to do so with four ships in the market post-transition. These include the Sydney-based Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa, which sails seasonally from Brisbane, along with the newly rebranded Encounter and Adventure.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, commented, “We look forward to bringing our innovations to more cruise guests in the region. While there will be technology upgrades and some changes, the ships will continue to cater to the unique Australian market.”

Transition Details and Customer Communication

Current itineraries will operate as usual, and guests will be informed of any changes to future bookings. The transition will include the introduction of Carnival’s popular HubApp, enabling guests to make online dining and excursion reservations, request food and beverage delivery, and chat with other guests. P&O Cruises Australia guests will also be able to join Carnival’s loyalty program.

Honoring P&O Cruises Australia’s Legacy

Over the coming months, Carnival will celebrate and honor the legacy of P&O Cruises Australia, which has been a significant part of the tourism industry in the South Pacific. Weinstein added, “We value the connection our P&O Cruises Australia guests, employees, and partners have with our company and are committed to building on this association moving forward as Carnival.”

This strategic move marks a significant milestone in Carnival Corporation’s efforts to streamline operations and enhance the cruise experience for passengers in the South Pacific and beyond.