By
Laura Hyde |
Carnival Cruise Line has revealed the changes in store for P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter, which will be rebranded as Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter when they join the Carnival fleet in 2025.
Carnival’s ‘Fun Squad’ will host the onboard entertainment, which includes comedy shows and trivia, deck parties and games, suitable for passengers of all ages. The ships will feature Carnival’s new childcare programme for children under two, the Turtles Kids Club, which will offer arts and crafts, story time, dancing, and sensory play under the guidance of qualified childcare professionals. Guests will also have access to Build-A-Bear workshops, Carnival’s Conga for Kids line dance party and the 80s Rock and Glow nights.
“This transition presents a unique opportunity to combine the best of P&O Cruises Australia and Carnival Cruise Line as the brand expands its footprint in Australia,” said Kara Glamore, vice president of sales and marketing at Carnival. “Carnival Cruise Line remains the only cruise line globally to demonstrate this level of commitment to Australia, sailing year-round and supporting thousands of local jobs while delivering unforgettable holiday experiences in Australia and the South Pacific.”
Read more: Carnival Corporation to retire P&O Cruises Australia brand in 2025
The refurbishments will retain several of P&O Australia’s signature venues, including Byron Beach Club, Edge Adventure Park, Luke Mangan’s specialty restaurant Luke’s Bar & Grill, Angelo’s and Dragon Lady. Circus show Blanc de Blanc will also continue to be performed. The combination of Carnival’s ‘Fun Ship’ experience and familiar elements from P&O Australia will give guests “the best of both worlds,” according to Carnival.
“P&O fans will recognise many of their favourite dining and entertainment options, while experiencing the added fun and flair that Carnival is famous for around the world,” said Deborah Cogin, vice president of guest experience at Carnival.
Read more: Carnival Cruise Line to deploy four ships in Australia for 2026-27
The ships will undergo a two-week wet dock in March 2025, after which Carnival Adventure will sail year-round from Sydney, Australia, while Carnival Encounter will homeport year-round in Brisbane, Australia.