The former P&O Australia ships Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter have been relaunched in Australia as Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, homeporting in Sydney and Brisbane. 

The vessels were folded into the Carnival Cruise Line fleet after parent company Carnival Corporation closed down its P&O Australia brand, bringing its fleet to 29 ships, the largest in its history.

Carnival Adventure was welcomed into the Carnival fleet in Sydney during a special celebration led by Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy on Friday. 

A second celebratory event is taking place on Saturday in Brisbane, homeport of Carnival Encounter. On the same day, guests will be welcomed aboard from both homeports for each ship’s first Carnival sailing.

The both ships have undergone an extensive refit, during which all public areas and amenities were reimagined to deliver Carnival’s signature FUN while retaining some of P&O’s most-loved elements. 

Together with cruises on Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa, the cruise line expects to sail more than 500,000 guests from its Australia homeports this year.

“Our expansion in Australia demonstrates incredible enthusiasm for our brand and we’re grateful to our loyal guests who continue to drive our ongoing growth, solidifying Carnival as the world’s most popular cruise line,” said Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line. “Doubling the fun in our Australia homeports enables us to deliver more sailing options, offer more variety and deepen our partnerships in the Sydney and Brisbane communities.”

Carnival’s HubApp is now available for guests sailing on Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter. Guests can use the app on personal devices to make dining and excursion reservations, chat with other guests, and explore onboard activities. 

On board, guests can expect a unique blend of familiar, beloved dining, like Luke’s Bar & Grill, and entertainment offerings alongside Carnival’s signature experience, such as Fun Squad deck parties and activities. 

A range of additional Carnival experiences and activities have been added as well, from comedy shows and 80s Rock and Glow nights for adults to Build-A-Bear workshops, Seuss at Sea and Camp Ocean for children.