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Carnival Cruises

Carnival Cruises

Cruise away with Carnival Australia and make a splash, relax or indulge your taste-buds. Whether you’re craving non-stop excitement or a chance to simply unwind, you’ll find the perfect balance on board. Chart a course along the coastline of Australia or journey to the South Pacific and discover a voyage that’s as exhilarating as the destinations themselves.
Cruise away with Carnival Australia and make a splash, relax or indulge your taste-buds. Whether you’re craving non-stop excitement or a chance to simply unwind, you’ll find the perfect balance on board. Chart a course along the coastline of Australia or journey to the South Pacific and discover a voyage that’s as exhilarating as the destinations themselves.

Carnival at a glance...

Cruises
74
Departures
282
Reviews
63
Budget
Affordable
Fleet Size
Ship Types
Large Cruise Ships
Known For
Fun-filled family cruising
All-Inclusive Level
Standard
Shore Excursions
Not included and available at extra cost
Casinos
All ships
Adults Only
No
Family Friendly
Family-friendly facilities and children's programs
Airport Transfers
Available at extra cost
Gratuities
Not required on Australian departures
Guest Mix
Families and mixed-age social travellers

Featured cruises

Showcasing our exclusive packages and Carnival's most popular cruises

Tangalooma - Moreton Island Cruise

5 Days Sydney to Sydney

Ship: Carnival Adventure

From 520pp
Pacific Island Hopper Cruise

9 Days Brisbane to Brisbane

Ships: Carnival Encounter+1

From 970pp
Moreton Island

5 Days Sydney to Sydney

Ships: Carnival Adventure+1

From 525pp
Barrier Reef Discovery Cruise

7 Days Brisbane to Brisbane

Ship: Carnival Encounter

From 850pp

Sailings from Sydney and Brisbane

Carnival's cruise fleet

Explore the itineraries, onboard facilities & deck plans of every Carnival cruise ship
Carnival Encounter
Ship Class: Grand Class
Carnival Encounter (formerly P&O's Pacific Encounter) sails year-round from Brisbane and is perfect for families, couples and groups of...
Carnival Splendor
Ship Class: Grand Class
Carnival Splendor, offering year round cruising from Sydney, is a perfect balance of excitement and relaxation, with spaces designed for...
Carnival Luminosa
Ship Class: Grand Class
Carnival Luminosa, crusing seasonally from Brisbane, brings a fresh, welcoming atmosphere to the fleet, offering the perfect mix of...
Carnival Adventure
Ship Class: Grand Class
Ready for an adventure? Carnival Adventure (formerly P&O's Pacific Adventure) is perfect for families, couples and groups of friends who...

Most recent Carnival reviews

Carnival Cruises Reviews
Reviews 63 Reviews
Average Rating 4.0 out of 5
5 Star
43%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
25%
2 Star
1 Star
Fabulous cruise 0 Pacific Island Hopper Cruise , SA, Australia, Jul 2026
Tracey organised a fabulous 8 day cruise for 19 family members - a trip of a lifetime-so special. Thank you Tracey and Carnival.
Whitsunday cruise   0 Whitsundays Cruise , Australia, Jul 2026
The cruise was good but I prefer to have shared dining, but I know the ship told me they are too small to do that but I’m sure it could be possible with the size of dining areas. The entertainment was great and there was always things to do for fun from night activity to lounging by the pool. The staff were friendly and polite and courteous. I have read more no real complaints regarding the cruise. The buffet food was a little bland would be my only complaint
First cruise 0 Moreton Island , WA, Australia, Jun 2026
We went on a cruise with Carnival. Getting on the ship was fast and easy. It was overwhelming inside initially, but once we knew the layout and which areas to avoid, it was fine. There were lots of options for different foods and where to eat. The rooms had lots of room for our bags.
Carnival 3 night cruise 0 Getaway , NSW, Australia, May 2026
Lots of people celebrating and parties. More young children than expected. All facilities on the cruise as expected. I feel the choice of food at dining rooms was less then previous cruises. Overall just relaxed and did very little. Shows were good.
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What's it like cruising with Carnival?

Sail On The Fun Side of Life!

Sail On The Fun Side of Life!

Carnival are gearing up to deliver more fun for everyone from March 2025 when Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter join the family sailing from Sydney and Brisbane.

Onboard, guests can expect a seamless blend of Carnival’s signature Fun Ship experience, plus many of the much-loved P&O features, giving guests the best of both worlds.

Take the stress and hidden costs out of your holiday with fares that include main meals, entertainment, activities, accommodation and access to fantastic destinations around Australia and throughout the South Pacific and Asia.

For Families

For Families

With Carnival, there’s always a fun new activity to try along with old family favourites. Rediscover the whimsical and always wonderful world of Dr. Seuss with our Seuss at Sea™ activities, settle in for some blockbuster entertainment at Dive-In Movies, show off your skills at mini-golf, trivia and scavenger hunts or simply kick back and relax at one of our pools and spas.

When families cruise Carnival, even the smallest fish in the pond have a big, awesome time. Carnival’s Youth Programs are year-round, fleet wide programs providing activities and entertainment with age appropriate activities for children and teenagers between the ages of 2 to 17. We know that even the smallest campers want to have fun! Camp Ocean - Turtles offers special play times for tiny tots, under 2 years, to enjoy. 

Parents can stay and play or, for a small fee, drop off their little ones for a short time to enjoy some time to themselves.

Our Kitchens Rule

Our Kitchens Rule

With up to 20 different dining experiences to choose from across Carnival's Aussie fleet, they're plating up everything from casual to connoisseur, so you can choose when, where and how you dine. Reservations can be made each night or you can arrive at your leisure.

Carnival believe unforgettable dining experiences should be a highlight of any good holiday. That’s why they offer a range of onboard specialty restaurants.

From celebrity chef dining at Salt Grill by Luke Mangan and delicious seafood at Shell & Bones to 400 Gradi, brought to you by the man with the Best Pizza Margherita in the world, there’s something for everyone.

Themed Cruises

Themed Cruises

The great thing about Carnival's Themed Cruises is that there’s something for everyone!

  • Australia Day Cruises
  • Comedy Festival & Cruises
  • Christmas & New Years Eve Cruises
  • Melbourne Cup Cruises
  • Australian Open Tennis Cruises
  • View All Themed Cruises
Activities Ashore

Activities Ashore

Carnival have searched out the best sights, wonders, adventures, shopping and entertainment at each destination so you get the very best of every port of call. you'll get the expert low down from experienced local guides and have the chance to experience each place you visit.

Upon boarding the ship, you will find a detailed listing of all available excursions for your cruise. You will also receive instructions on how to book these excursions onboard.

Whether your idea of a fun day in port is a relaxing, exhilarating or an educational activity, Carnival sells a wide variety of quality excursions for every type of cruiser. Continuously monitoring prices to make sure that all of our guests are enjoying the best possible excursion for the best value. There are never any surprises with extra "hidden" fees.

Carnival Brochure

Carnival South Pacific, Australia & New Zealand (2025-26) Brochure

Carnival South Pacific, Australia & New Zealand (2025-26)

Sail on the fun side life! The fun starts the moment you walk, skip or conga aboard a Carnival cruise. With more than 45 daily activities, live Broadway-style entertainment, themed nights and the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss with Seuss at Sea, there is something for every fun-loving family and couple.

FAQs

What travel documents do I need to bring?
Carnival requires guests to provide proper travel documentation in order to travel - put simply all guests must have a passport that is valid for 6 months after the date of the cruise return. For domestic cruises Australian residents can provide a Government issued photo ID or passport.

Guests must contact the appropriate embassy or consulate of the countries they will be visiting for specific travel documentation requirements. Click here for more information on Visas.
Is there an online check-in?
Guests become eligible for online check-in 14 days prior to sailing. Your Global Journeys Cruise Advisor wil provide you with all the details you need to login when your booking is confirmed. You can download your eTicket after you have checked in, providing full payment and all your personal details, including Emergency Contact, have been provided.
Do you offer transfers to and from the airport to the cruise terminal in Sydney or Brisbane?
Carnival Australia currently does not offer transfers to and from the Cruise Terminal. Public Transportation from the City or the airport is accessible to the port. Ensure that you leave ample amount of travel time as there may be delays. If your'e embarking in Sydney, the nearest bus stop is Argyle Street/George Street in The Rocks, which is approximately 500 meters (a five minute walk) to the terminal.
When should I arrive at the cruise terminal?
Check-in times are staggered. Guests will only be allowed to check-in during their pre-selected arrival appointment. Your check-in time/arrival appointment can be chosen using Carnival's online check-in tool. This is to limit congestion and minimise wait times in the terminal.

Guests in suites (JS,OS,O4,VS & GS) and VIFP Platinum and Diamond members will have a designated Priority entrance for boarding. Priority guests may board anytime between the earliest opening hour and at the latest, an hour before departure. Departure times can be found on your boarding pass.
What's the embarkation process?
Guests are required to show their cruise documents prior to entering the terminal. Any large items and anything other than carry-on luggage should be checked in at the baggage drop prior to entering the terminal.

Once inside the terminal, guests will be directed to the check-in line. Our check-in agent will require you to present your passport (or photo ID for domestic cruises), completed health forms and boarding pass. All guest’s photographs, including infants, will be taken and we will establish your Sail & Sign onboard account. Once your registration is complete, you will be provided with your Sail & Sign Card.

Prior to going onboard, all guests must go through a security checkpoint and screening with their carry-on luggage, then they must present their Sail & Sign Card, which will be used at security checkpoints when getting on and off the ship.
How much luggage can I bring?
To help you plan, we suggest you limit your luggage to a maximum of one bag per person if you’re travelling on a cruise of 3-5 nights, and to no more than two bags per person, for cruises of 6 days or longer. In addition, you must personally carry-on any boarding documentation (passports, Visas, I.D), valuables, medications and any items which require special handling.

To fit neatly in your stateroom, each bag should be no bigger than 140cm x 60cm x 40cm. Each checked suit case and carry-on suit case should not weigh more than 32kg. Please note that airlines may have different luggage restrictions.
Do we need luggage tags?
Your Carnival Cruise Lines luggage tags will be included with your eTicket. Please ensure one (1) tag is printed, filled in and attached to each piece of luggage prior to arriving at the terminal on the day of departure. These tags will enable delivery of your luggage to your stateroom.
What about tipping are they included in my cruise fare?
For all cruises departing from an Australian port, you are welcome to reward our onboard crew for exceptional service, however, tipping/gratuities are not required.
Can I get WiFi on board?
Yes! Satellite Internet access is available via WiFi throughout the vessel (including your cabin) and in the Internet Café. The Internet Café is open 24-hours and features individual terminals for your privacy. For your convenience, the Internet Café Manager is available for assistance during posted hours.

Internet pricing plans vary by ship based on the itinerary. Some ships offer pay as you go per minute rates and bundled time plans. Others have daily and per cruise plans. The full list of available pricing options are available online before you go via Cruise Manager or via the HUB App once on board the ship.

Plans are cheaper if they are purchased online rather than onboard. Guests must purchase a plan that covers the entire duration of their cruise. Plans may be pre-purchased online up to 11:59pm ET, the day before embarkation. Daily plans are available for purchase on board.
Does Carnival have a mobile app?
To download the Carnival HUB™ App, look for the Carnival HUB App on Google Play and iTunes to download. Some features are available before your cruise but more functionalities become available once on board. No internet purchase is required as the app works only with the ship’s free Wi-Fi.

Prior To Your Cruise
  • Share your cruise countdown
  • Purchase gifts, WIFI, spa services, shore excursions and more
  • Make dinner reservations
  • Complete Online Check-In

During Your Cruise
  • Onboard Chat (USD $5.00 per user fee applies)
  • ‘What's Happening’ Daily Events
  • Ship Maps
  • Food and Drinks
  • Account Management
  • Kids and Teens
  • Reserve select shows, spa services, shore excursions and specialty dining
  • All your reservations are added to your planner to help you manage your day
  • Reserve restaurants ahead of time or check-in if you’re ready to go
  • View food and drink menus via QR scans
  • Casino features and special events
  • Lounging by the pool? Order food for delivery
  • Learn about onboard safety and navigate to your assigned muster station to check-in with a team member upon boarding
  • Check into a virtual queue and skip the line! We'll simply notify you when it's your turn
How do I pay onboard?
Welcome to cashless cruising! All shipboard expenses are charged to your Sail & Sign Card so you do not need to carry cash when you are on board. Your Sail & Sign Card is linked to your onboard account. You simply provide this Card when you are purchasing anything on board and it gets added to your account.

As part of the boarding process, Carnival link your Sail & Sign Card to your credit card (Visa, MasterCard or AMEX) or debit card (Visa or MasterCard). Debit cards may act as a credit card, whilst using the available funds in your bank account. Your account will be settled this way before you debark. There are no Pin facilities onboard, so signatures will be needed.

Note: Eftpos works only with the Australian ATM’s in port and cannot be used at ATM’s onboard.

On embarkation day, an initial bank hold of up to $200 (depending on cruise length) is placed on all credit card and debit card accounts to verify that the card is valid.

Terms & conditions

All the boring small print - but we recommend you read them, as no one likes surprises!