Carnival’s Grinchmas in July sailings return to Australia this winter, making their Brisbane debut, and offering more sailings from Sydney.
For the first time, the halls will be decked onboard the new Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, while Carnival Splendor celebrates its third consecutive year of Grinchy holidays.
In a first for Queensland, Carnival Encounter – now homeported year-round in Brisbane – will host four Grinchmas in July sailings. Meanwhile, Carnival Splendor and Carnival Adventure will offer six festive departures from Sydney this July.
Across those 10 themed sailings, the ships will be transformed into magical winter wonderlands, complete with towering Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and shimmering baubles. Guests can sip on Christmas-themed beverages, indulge in special festive dining, and even experience a dusting of winter “snow” in the atrium.
Adding to the holiday spirit, guests will have the chance to meet the Grinch along with a few surprise visitors. Onboard festivities include the Ugly Christmas Sweater Competition, a dazzling Holiday Show, carolling, a Grinchmas deck party with an all-green dress code, themed games and scavenger hunts, and plenty of festive treats any ‘Who’ would love.
The sailings are part of Carnival’s long-standing partnership with Dr. Seuss, featuring ‘Seuss at Sea’ favourites such as the Thing 1 & Thing 2 Birthday Breakfast, Seussapalooza Parade and Story Time.
“Due to overwhelming demand over the past two winters, we’re thrilled to bring back our Grinchmas in July sailings in 2025—this time spreading even more holiday cheer across all three ships,” said Carnival Cruise Line VP Kara Glamore.
“As part of our incredible decade-long partnership with Dr Seuss, we love bringing the wintery Christmas fun to our Aussie guests. Carnival Splendor, Adventure, and Encounter are the only ships in the world to offer this FUN festive experience for the whole family at sea.”
“We are delighted to continue our valued partnership with Carnival Cruise Line as Grinchmas in July returns to Australia,” Susan Brandt, CEO of Dr. Seuss Enterprises added. “These themed sailings offer families an extraordinary opportunity to experience the world of Dr. Seuss in an immersive, festive environment—combining cherished holiday traditions with the wonder of storytelling at sea.”
Fares for Carnival Cruise Line’s Grinchmas in July 2025 sailings start from $560* per person twin share interior.
Sailings
From Sydney return:
Tuesday 1 July & Monday 14 July | 4-night Moreton Island on Carnival Adventure
Thursday 3 July & Wednesday 16 July | 4-night Moreton Island on Carnival Splendor
Saturday 5 July | 9-night South Pacific on Carnival Adventure
Monday 7 July | 9-night South Pacific on Carnival Splendor
From Brisbane return:
Saturday 5 July | 7-night Great Barrier Reef on Carnival Encounter
Saturday 12 July | 3-night Comedy Cruise on Carnival Encounter
Tuesday 15 July | 4-night Airlie Beach on Carnival Encounter
Saturday 19 July | 7-night Great Barrier Reef on Carnival Encounter
