Business · Companies · 1 hr ago
Carnival to withdraw two ships from Australia in 2028
Carnival Cruise Line will withdraw two ships from Australia in 2028, cutting its regular local fleet from four ships to two.
Carnival Adventure is due to leave Sydney on March 20, 2028, and will not return as planned.
Carnival Luminosa will make its final Australian sailing on March 15, 2028, departing from Sydney.
The company blamed regulatory uncertainty and high operating costs, while the federal government has extended an exemption for international cruise ships from the Coastal Trading Act until December 2028.
Carnival Splendor and Carnival Encounter will remain based in Australia year-round, sailing from Sydney and Brisbane.
The reduction could mean fewer choices and higher fares for Australian travellers, according to cruise expert Adrian Tassone.
Carnival says it will continue working with the federal government on future arrangements for cruise ships operating in Australia.
Carnival Cruise Line will withdraw two ships from Australia in 2028, cutting its regular local fleet by half.
Carnival Adventure will not return to Australia after departing Sydney on March 20, 2028, for seasonal operations in North America.
Carnival Luminosa will sail its final Australian voyage from Sydney on March 15, 2028.
Carnival blamed regulatory uncertainty and high costs for the decision.
Cruise expert Adrian Tassone said the change could reduce passenger choice and contribute to higher fares.
- Who
- Carnival Cruise Line.
- What
- It will withdraw Carnival Adventure and Carnival Luminosa from Australia in 2028, halving its regular local fleet.
- When
- Carnival Luminosa’s final Australian sailing is scheduled for March 15, 2028; Carnival Adventure is due to depart Sydney on March 20, 2028.
- Where
- Australia, with the ships departing from Sydney.
- Why
- Carnival cited regulatory uncertainty and high costs.
Carnival Cruise Line
Adrian Tassone
Reason for the change
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival said its year-round Australian presence gives it greater exposure to changes in local market and operating conditions.
Adrian Tassone
Tassone said the decision reflects a broader problem with the local cruise industry, including regulatory uncertainty and high costs.
Likely effect
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival said it would continue working with the federal government on future arrangements for cruise ships operating in Australia.
Adrian Tassone
Tassone said the change would reduce capacity and choice and may contribute to higher fares.
Carnival shared an original deployment update about Carnival Adventure.
Carnival announced it would withdraw two ships from Australia in 2028.
Carnival Luminosa is scheduled to sail its final Australian voyage from Sydney.
Carnival Adventure is due to depart Sydney for seasonal operations in North America.
- Ships withdrawing
- Carnival Adventure and Carnival Luminosa
- Fleet impact
- Regular Australian fleet reduced by half
- Carnival Luminosa final Australian sailing
- March 15, 2028, from Sydney
- Carnival Adventure departure
- March 20, 2028, from Sydney
- Ships continuing year-round
- Carnival Splendor and Carnival Encounter
3 sources
What people are saying
As the only cruise line with ships dedicated year-round to Australia, Carnival has greater exposure to changes in local market and operating conditions than cruise lines with a seasonal or more limited presence.
This change may well contribute to higher cruise fares, as growing demand will likely outstrip supply in 2028 and beyond.
significant reduction in capacity and choice for Australian cruisers