Carnival Cruise Line is set to expand its fleet next year by integrating its sister brand, P&O Cruises Australia, and its vessels, significantly boosting its presence in the South Pacific region.
Parent company Carnival Corporation & plc announced plans to shut down P&O Cruises Australia in March 2025. Following this closure, two of its ships, the Pacific Encounter and the Pacific Adventure, will join the Carnival Cruise Line brand.
“Despite increasing Carnival Cruise Line’s capacity, guest demand remains incredibly strong. We’re leveraging our scale in an even more meaningful way by absorbing an entire brand into the world’s most popular cruise line,” stated Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc. He explained that the strategic shift is necessary due to the South Pacific’s small population and higher operating and regulatory costs, allowing Carnival to continue delivering exceptional cruise experiences year-round in the region.
Upon completion of this merger, Carnival Cruise Line will account for approximately 35 percent of the company’s total global capacity. The fleet in the South Pacific will include the newly acquired P&O ships as well as the Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa.
P&O Cruises Australia currently operates three ships. Its third vessel, the Pacific Explorer, will exit the fleet in February 2025. Meanwhile, all existing P&O Cruises Australia bookings will proceed as planned, with guests being informed of any changes to future itineraries.
The UK-based P&O Cruises will not be affected by this merger. Carnival Corporation also operates several other brands, including AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn.
This expansion comes as Carnival is updating its fare advertising policies. Starting July 1, all advertised cruise fares will include government-mandated taxes, fees, and port expenses, in compliance with a new California law.