Carnival Cruise Line Expands to Five Homeports in Australia and New Zealand
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Carnival Cruise Line just made some exciting news for cruise lovers down under. The cruise line plans to sail from more ports than ever before in Australia and New Zealand during the 2027-28 season. This expansion brings cruise vacations closer to more travelers across the region.
New Ports Mean More Options
The big news includes year-round sailing from Sydney and Brisbane. But here’s what’s really exciting – Carnival will launch its first-ever seasons in Adelaide and Auckland. These new ports give travelers more choices for their cruise adventures.
The Carnival Adventure will make history when it returns from drydock in March 2027. The ship will homeport in Melbourne for the first time in eight years. Carnival has also confirmed a second Melbourne season for 2028.
Five Homeports, Year-Round Sailing
Peter Little, Carnival Corporation Country Manager, shared the company’s excitement about the expansion. “Carnival is sailing from five homeports in Australia and New Zealand in 2027/28 and we remain the only global cruise line committed to sailing in this region year-round,” Little said.
He added that the cruise line listened to guest feedback. “Carnival Cruise Line has answered the call from our interstate and New Zealand guests who’ve been asking for more opportunities to book a convenient and great value cruise holiday, and we’re delighted to be offering voyages from Adelaide, Melbourne and Auckland as well as our traditional ports of Sydney and Brisbane.”
Which Ships Go Where
The Carnival Adventure will be the busiest ship in the fleet. It will homeport in Adelaide, Melbourne, Auckland, and Sydney throughout the deployment. This ship will travel to four different home bases during the season.
The Carnival Splendor will stay put in Sydney all year long. Meanwhile, the Carnival Encounter will remain based in Brisbane year-round. The Carnival Luminosa will join the Brisbane operations during summer months.
Auckland Adventures (May – July 2027)
Auckland gets some special treatment with unique itineraries. The Carnival Adventure will offer a brand-new four-night cruise to Norfolk Island. Longer nine- and ten-night journeys will visit Fiji, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia.
The Auckland season includes nine total departures. The season wraps up with a four-night one-way voyage from Auckland to Sydney on July 29, 2027.
Melbourne Returns (January – February 2028)
Melbourne cruise fans have waited eight years for this moment. Starting January 31, 2028, the Carnival Adventure begins its second Melbourne homeport season. The ship will offer short two- to three-night getaways and four-night Kangaroo Island escapes.
Melbourne gets eight total departures during this season. The season ends with a two-night one-way voyage from Melbourne to Adelaide on February 25, 2028.
Adelaide Debuts (February – March 2028)
Adelaide makes its Carnival debut with exciting options. The Carnival Adventure will offer two- to four-night short getaways from this new port. A special five-night South Australia coastal itinerary will visit Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln.
Adelaide receives five departures total. The season concludes with a three-night one-way voyage from Adelaide to Sydney on March 14, 2028.
Sydney Stays Strong (Year-Round)
Sydney remains a powerhouse with extensive cruise options. Guests can choose from two- to five-night getaways that visit Moreton Island, Philip Island, Eden, and Tasmania. Longer tropical holidays include nine- to ten-night voyages to Vanuatu and New Caledonia.
The Sydney program also features eight- to nine-night Great Barrier Reef cruises. This gives travelers plenty of options for both short breaks and longer vacations.
Brisbane Brings Variety (Year-Round)
Brisbane continues its year-round operations with diverse itineraries. Four-night Airlie Beach cruises and three-night Getaway sailings offer quick escape options. Six- to seven-night Great Barrier Reef cruises provide longer adventures.
The Brisbane program includes eight- to nine-night South Pacific voyages. Special cruises include a 14-night Mutiny on the Bounty & Fiji voyage and a 10-night Papua New Guinea cruise.
Brisbane also introduces a brand-new nine-night Tasmania itinerary. This cruise visits Hobart, Port Arthur, and Eden. For the first time, guests will enjoy scenic cruising in Great Oyster Bay.
What This Means for Cruise Travelers
This expansion makes cruise vacations more accessible across Australia and New Zealand. Travelers no longer need to travel far to reach a departure port. The variety of itineraries means something for every type of cruise lover.
Short getaways work perfectly for first-time cruisers or quick breaks. Longer voyages satisfy travelers seeking more adventure and exploration. The year-round schedule provides flexibility for vacation planning throughout the seasons.
