Carnival Cruise Line Makes Major Change to Australia Ship Deployment

by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 2:15 PM ET, Thu February 26, 2026

Carnival Cruise Line is making big changes to its ship deployment in Australia.

Starting in April 2028, Carnival Adventure will relocate to North America for the northern hemisphere summer. The vessel will continue to sail seasonally in Australia.

The company’s leaders say they had to make the deployment decision “given more favorable market conditions elsewhere and the uncertain regulatory environment in Australia and New Zealand,” according to a statement.

Carnival will keep two ships sailing year-round in Australia, Carnival Splendor and Carnival Encounter. Meanwhile, two ships—Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Adventure—will split their time between Australia and North America. 

“We’re proud of our long-standing commitment to this market,” says Peter Little, senior vice president and country manager for Carnival Corporation and plc. “It is business as usual with Carnival Cruise Line operating from more homeports across Australia and New Zealand in 2027/28 than ever before, so there are plenty of attractive itineraries for our guests.”

He adds: “Over the next two years, we look forward to welcoming onboard about 1.2 million fun-loving guests across about 400 voyages as we continue to sail year-round to amazing destinations.”

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