‘Turning point’: Big move after P&O closure

The closure of Australian cruising brand P&O sent shockwaves throughout the industry - but the company has made a surprise announcement.

The closure of Australian cruising brand P&O sent shockwaves throughout the industry, with avid cruisers left stumped by its demise.

The announcement was made in March with P&O’s US-listed parent company Carnival Cruises citing “significantly higher operating and regulatory costs” for having to shut shop.

Many cruisers would have fond memories of the brand’s uniquely Australian style of voyages – something they feared would be lost as it becomes integrated into Carnival Cruise Line.

However, the company said that won’t be the case at all as it revealed their “beloved” ships Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter will be rebranded as Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, “ensuring they retain their iconic Aussie feel”.

P&O Cruises Australia’s transition to Carnival Cruise Line is set for March 2025. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

“When P&O Cruises Australia is integrated into Carnival Cruise Line in March, we will more than double our capacity in Australia, delivering even greater choice, innovation, and flexibility for our guests,” Carnival Cruise Line Australia vice president Kara Glamore told news.com.au.

“Our focus is on preserving the distinctively Australian flavour that guests know and love, while introducing Carnival’s world-class entertainment, technology, and service.”

P&O will cease to exist from early 2025 and Ms Glamore said “as much as we deeply value P&O Cruises Australia’s incredible legacy”, the operational realities of sailing in Australia have made it “unsustainable to continue as a separate brand”.

The Pacific Explorer will no longer operate in Australian waters.

She cited higher costs and a smaller market, adding that by rebranding Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter under the Carnival name, they can “bring the best of P&O’s heritage into a stronger global framework”.

The Pacific Explorer ship will, however, no longer operate in Australian waters.

Meanwhile, passengers will notice Carnival Splendor looking quite different after undergoing a major revamp including new dining venues like Mad Sizzle and Masala Tiger, refreshed staterooms and a distinctive Southern Cross motif on her hull, a nod to P&O’s rich heritage. The ship will also feature WaterWorks, with superfast slides, a splash zone, and an outdoor film theatre.

Carnival Adventure has also undergone changes with new day beds, Byron Beach Club Cabanas, Twin Racer water slides and four pools.

However, Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter will be rebranded as Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter.

Guests onboard both ships can use AUD currency and enjoy Aussie-inspired entertainment and dining options.

The rollout of Carnival’s HubApp across all four ships will also allow guests access to daily schedules for shows and activities and provide food and drink ordering.

The rebrand of the two new ships means Carnival Cruise Line will emerge as Australia’s largest cruise operator with a fleet of four ships homeported locally.

It will also allow guests access to the 2026/27 itineraries featuring 201 sailings – a huge 99 per cent increase from the previous season.

As such, from March 2025 Carnival Cruise Line will be the only cruise line offering year-round sailings from Australia.

The rebrand of the two new ships means Carnival Cruise Line will emerge as Australia’s largest cruise operator with a fleet of four ships homeported locally.

“As we expand our fleet to four ships, our commitment to Australia has never been stronger,” Ms Glamore said.

“With our 2026/27 itineraries offering four times the fun. We’re excited to provide a wider selection for Aussie travellers.”

She said in response to market demand, they’ve also increased short getaway options with two-to-four-day sailings, “allowing everyone, from first timers to time-poor travellers, to enjoy unforgettable holidays at sea”.

Cruising age drops

The average age of Australian cruisers has dropped to 48, with a significant rise in millennial and Gen Z travellers, thanks to more short getaway cruises.

“Cruising is quickly becoming a popular choice for multigenerational families looking to create lasting memories together,” Ms Glamore said.

“We’re excited to cater to this growing demographic by offering flexible itineraries and experiences that appeal to all ages.”

The average age of Australian cruisers has dropped to 48, with a significant rise in millennial and Gen Z travellers. Picture: Jenny Evans/Getty Images

Cruise Lines International Association (CLA) noted the 2024-25 summer would be another busy season for cruising with the country welcoming a fleet of 62 cruise ships, “bringing billions of dollars in economic activity to dozens of ports and destinations across Australia”.

CLA managing director Joel Katz said it will be among the busiest schedules he’s seen in local waters.

“The number of ships is slightly down on the 70 hosted last year, but many are staying longer and making more port calls,” Mr Katz said in a statement.

“The total number of visits will be up three per cent to 1,904 port calls, which creates enormous tourism opportunities for local communities.”

Among newcomers to the Australian cruise scene this year will be Silversea’s Silver Nova, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sun and Cunard’s Queen Anne which will make their maiden visits in November, December and February respectively.

In January, Paspaley Pearl by Ponant will embark on her inaugural season north of Australia, before operating in the Kimberley.

“Australia has always been one of the world’s most passionate cruise markets, and this enthusiasm continues,” Mr Katz said.

“Of Australian travellers who have cruised previously, 77 per cent say they will cruise again. “Even among travellers who have never sailed before, 70 per cent say they are open to taking their first cruise.”