Carnival Cruise Line unveils 2026/27 itineraries, including short getaways

Carnival Cruise Line unveils 2026/27 itineraries, including short getaways
Edited by Travel Weekly


Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled its highly anticipated 2026/27 itineraries, with an eye on Australian expansion and the addition of two ships from the departing P&O Cruises Australia brand.

Featuring 201 sailings, a 99 per cent increase from the 2024/25 season, the addition of the renamed P&O ships Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter sees the fleet number grow to four ships.

The expanded program includes year-round sailings from Sydney on Carnival Adventure and Carnival Splendor, and seasonal departures from Brisbane on Carnival Encounter and Carnival Luminosa. The itineraries feature popular destinations such as Moreton Island, the South Pacific, and the Great Barrier Reef, as well as New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and more.

In response to the growing popularity of short getaways, Carnival expanded its selection of two-to-four-night cruises. These sailings are ideal for first-time cruises or those wanting to make the most of a long weekend. According to research commissioned by Carnival Cruise Line in 2024, 33 per cent of Aussies report feeling refreshed after a holiday of just three to five days.

“As we expand our fleet to four ships, our commitment to Australia has never been stronger. With our 2026/27 itineraries offering four times the fun,” Carnival Cruise Line Australia vice president, Kara Glamore, said.

“We’re excited to provide a wider selection for Aussie travellers. In response to market demand, we’ve increased our short getaway options with two-to-four-day sailings, allowing everyone, from first timers to time-poor travellers, to enjoy unforgettable holidays at sea.”

2026/27 itinerary highlights

Cruise from Sydney on Carnival Splendor and Carnival Adventure

Carnival Splendor offers a diverse range of cruise itineraries from two to 12 days, catering to various travel preferences. Four-day cruises include Moreton Island and five- and six- day cruises to Tasmania allow guests to explore Hobart and Port Arthur, with the latter offering an overnight stay in Hobart. Nine- and ten-day South Pacific cruises visit Mystery Island, Port Vila, and other spectacular island destinations.

  • 4-Day Tangalooma – Moreton Island cruise from $659 per person
  • 9-Day South Pacific cruise from $949 per person
  • 10-Day New Zealand cruise from $1,319 per person

Carnival Adventure offers a variety of options throughout the 2026/27 cruise season, from weekend getaways and short cruises that visit popular Moreton Island, to longer sailings that feature the Great Barrier Reef. A 12-day sailing to Fiji is also set for April 2027 that takes guests to exotic destinations like Lautoka and Dravuni Island.

  • 12-Day Fiji Adventure cruise from $1,494 per person
  • 6-Day Melbourne Cup cruise from $1,324 per person

Cruise from Brisbane on Carnival Encounter and Carnival Luminosa

Carnival Luminosa offers a variety of three- to 14-day itineraries departing from Brisbane during its seasonal deployment. A six-day Great Barrier Reef cruise allows guests to explore Airlie Beach and Cairns, with an onboard experience at Willis Island that gives guests glimpses of amazing wildlife as the ship sails near the island.

Week-long South Pacific cruises visit destinations such as Mystery Island, Port Vila, and others while an eight-day option includes multiple stops in Vanuatu and New Caledonia. Also available is a 14-day Carnival Journeys cruise that highlights the locations where Mutiny on Bounty took place 1789 featuring unique ports like Norfolk Island and Nuku’alofa, Tonga.

  • 6-Day Great Barrier Reef cruise from $919 per person
  • 3-Day Getaway departing Brisbane from $504 per person

Carnival Encounter sailings from Brisbane features a variety of destinations in the South Pacific and Great Barrier Reef regions. Guests can enjoy multiple short three-day getaway trips and four-day cruises with stops at Airlie Beach. Longer voyages, ranging from six to 10 days, include ports such as Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and other South Pacific islands.

  • 14-Day Bounty Adventure cruise from $1,974 per person
  • 8-Day Pacific Island Hopper from $1,014 per person

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