Carnival Cruise Line Expands Operations In Australia And New Zealand With New Homeports And Exciting Cruise Itineraries
Published on
October 29, 2025
There are also new plans for Carnival Cruise Line’s 2027-28 program period. These are the addition of homeports and the new expanded range of destinations covering Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Islands. This news comes in conjunction with the cruise line’s celebration of its commitment to sailing throughout the year in the respective region which offers even more cruise experiences to travellers in the southern hemisphere.
New Homeports in Adelaide, Melbourne and Auckland
For the first time ever, Carnival Cruise Line will offer cruises from the homeports of Adelaide, Melbourne and Auckland, along with its well-established ports in Sydney and Brisbane. The move marks a significant step forward in expanding Carnival’s presence in the region, making it more convenient for guests to enjoy the world-renowned Carnival experience.
Carnival Adventure, returning from dry dock in March 2027, will homeport in Melbourne, marking the city’s first Carnival Cruise Line season in eight years. This exciting new addition also signals Carnival’s commitment to providing more opportunities for Australian and New Zealand guests to enjoy unforgettable holidays. Carnival’s Australian and New Zealand program will offer over 200 cruises across four ships, including stops in 39 destinations, including the spectacular South Pacific islands, New Zealand’s scenic coastlines, and Australia’s stunning beaches.
A Year-Round Presence with Extensive Itineraries
From 2027 onwards, Carnival Cruise Line will offer a year-round presence in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Auckland, ensuring that no matter the time of year, guests can book their next holiday aboard a Carnival ship.
The new itineraries include a mix of short getaways, including two to three-night cruises, and longer voyages that explore destinations like Fiji, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu. Families and groups of friends seeking a memorable holiday will now have more options to book a convenient and affordable cruise. According to Peter Little, the Country Manager of Carnival Corporation & plc, this expanded program was created in response to customer demand for more accessible and great-value cruise holidays. The announcement has already caused excitement, particularly in Adelaide, where long-time Carnival fan Shirley Van Hout expressed her enthusiasm for having a cruise ship sailing directly from her hometown. She highlighted the convenience of cruising, where everything is taken care of, and guests can enjoy everything under one roof.
Key Features of the 2027-28 Program
The new program includes a variety of cruise options catering to diverse traveller needs, from quick escapes to longer, more luxurious cruises. Carnival Adventure will be the key vessel for the new homeports, offering a brand-new four-night itinerary to Norfolk Island from Auckland, as well as nine- and 10-night cruises exploring the tropical beauty of the South Pacific islands. The ship will also be based in Melbourne for the first time in January and February 2028, offering a series of short getaways, as well as longer voyages to Kangaroo Island.
In Adelaide, Carnival Adventure will offer a mix of two- to four-night getaways, with special five-night South Australia coastal itineraries visiting Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln. Sydney and Brisbane will continue to feature year-round sailings, with options ranging from two-night escapes to longer, tropical cruises to the Great Barrier Reef.
Cruising from Brisbane and Sydney
For the first time, Brisbane will also feature a brand-new nine-night Tasmania itinerary, which includes stops in Hobart, Port Arthur, and Eden, as well as scenic cruising through Great Oyster Bay. Carnival will also continue to offer popular four-night Airlie Beach cruises and three-night Getaway sailings for guests seeking a quick escape. Guests departing from Sydney will enjoy an extensive mix of sailings, including tropical holidays, as well as six- and seven-night voyages to the Great Barrier Reef and other exotic locations.
Bringing More Cruises to More People
Carnival’s 2027/28 program has been designed with the whole family in mind, from multi-generational families to groups of friends. The variety of destinations and itineraries promises to meet the diverse needs of travellers, whether they are seeking a quick getaway or a longer, more immersive cruise experience. Carnival Adventure’s debut in new cities will undoubtedly help to bring even more visitors to the region, offering easy access to unforgettable holiday experiences.
The Future of Cruising Down Under
This expanded program further strengthens Carnival Cruise Line’s position as the only global cruise line to offer year-round sailing from Australia and New Zealand. With over 500,000 passengers expected to embark on these voyages over the 12 months, it’s clear that Carnival is not only meeting but exceeding the demand for cruise holidays in the region. Whether you’re new to cruising or a seasoned cruiser, this expanded program promises unforgettable experiences at sea.
Starting in the 2027/28 season, Carnival is for sure going to have at least 5 of their boats homeport in a city in New Zealand and 5 of his boats in a city in Australia almost every two months. This is bound to create a influx in the tourism and local economy. New offerings will help in teh demand for domestic tourism. These will allow the customers to holiday in this region.
