P&O Cruises Australia, a brand with a 90-year heritage in the region, is being retired in early 2025 with boats and the brand’s operations integrated into Carnival Cruise Line.

The decision marks a significant shift in the cruise industry landscape. All itineraries on the Pacific Explorer scheduled to sail after 2 March 2025 are being cancelled, with guests booked on these itineraries to be contacted by Guest Services with refund details. Cruises booked before this date remain unaffected.

Carnival Cruise Line said it will carry forward P&O Cruises Australia’s legacy, promising to deliver the same onboard experiences and itineraries. However, job losses are expected in Carnival’s Sydney office as part of the transition.

The Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure ships will begin sailing under the Carnival Cruise Line brand, while the Pacific Explorer will exit the fleet.

Carnival Corporation positioned the strategic shift as a move to further leverage its scale and strengthen its performance in Australia and the South Pacific.

“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. However, 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,” said Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc.

President of Carnival Cruise Line, Christine Duffy, assured that while some technology upgrades and other small changes to the ships are planned, they will continue to cater to the unique Australian market with a familiar feel and much of the same experiences for P&O Cruises Australia guests. The most notable change will be the availability of Carnival’s HubApp, enabling guests to make online dining and excursion reservations, request food and beverage delivery, and chat with other guests, among other features. 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.

In 2025, Carnival Corporation will have seven cruise lines sailing 19 ships calling on 78 destinations and representing almost 60% of the market. P&O Cruises Australia guests will be invited to participate in Carnival’s loyalty program and promotional offerings specific to Carnival ships sailing in the region.

Peter Little will continue to lead the team in Australia, as Country Manager reporting to Duffy.