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In a move to enhance its performance and optimise its scale in Australia and the South Pacific, Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest cruise company, has announced the termination of the P&O Cruises Australia brand in March 2025.
The operations will be merged into Carnival Cruise Line, which has been serving the South Pacific since 2013 and stands as the world’s most popular cruise line.
“Given the strategic reality of the South Pacific’s small population and significantly higher operating and regulatory costs, we’re adjusting our approach to give us the efficiencies we need to continue delivering an incredible cruise experience year-round to our guests in the region,” says Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation and plc.
With the transition, the Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure ships will rebrand under Carnival Cruise Line, while the Pacific Explorer will exit the fleet.
“P&O Cruises Australia is a storied brand with an amazing team, and we are extremely proud of everything we have accomplished together in Australia and the broader region,” says Josh.
Carnival Cruise Line’s commitment to the region remains robust, with its four ships – including three year-round ships based in Sydney and Brisbane, and one seasonal ship – contributing to Carnival Corporation’s dominant presence.
“We will have seven cruise lines sailing 19 ships calling on 78 destinations and representing almost 60 per cent of the market in 2025, by far the largest cruise operator in the region,” says Josh.
“We look forward to building on the history and heritage of P&O Cruises Australia by bringing some of our innovations to more cruise guests in the region,” says Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy.
“While we plan to make some technology upgrades and other small changes to the ships, they will continue to be geared to the unique Australian market.”
Other changes of the merge include the introduction of the popular HubApp, which will allow guests to make online dining and excursion reservations, request food and beverage delivery, and chat with other guests.
“P&O Cruises Australia guests will also be invited to participate in Carnival’s loyalty program and promotional offerings specific to Carnival ships sailing in the region,” says Christine.
Company executive Peter Little will continue to lead the team in Australia as country manager.
“We’re pleased to confirm that Peter will take on a new role leading the local operations and building on the company’s legacy of strong relationships with destinations and communities across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific,” Josh says.
As P&O Cruises Australia approaches its closure, Josh emphasised the brand’s legacy.
“We recognise that P&O Cruises Australia is much loved across the region, having been dedicated to local operations for over 90 years, delighting guests and being welcomed by destinations across the region. We value the pride our P&O Cruises guests, employees, travel partners, public officials, and destinations have in our company, and we will find ways to celebrate and honour P&O Cruises Australia in the coming months.”
P&O Cruises Australia will continue operations until March 2025.