If your idea of a great holiday includes good food, lively entertainment and plenty of ways to have fun, a Carnival cruise could be just the ticket. Carnival Cruise Line offers relaxed, activity-filled cruise holidays for families, couples, groups of friends and travellers who enjoy having plenty of choice.
For Australian holidaymakers, Carnival makes cruising particularly convenient. Depending on the sailing and season, guests can cruise from Sydney, Brisbane and selected other Australian ports to destinations around Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific and further afield. Carnival’s current destination range includes Australia, the Great Barrier Reef, Tasmania, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the South Pacific, Asia, Hawaii and selected longer international journeys.
Whether you are planning your family’s main holiday, celebrating a special occasion or looking for a quick break at sea, there is a Carnival cruise to suit many different holiday styles.
Looking to explore all our available cruises? Our Cruise Finder searches over 50,000 cruises, allowing you to search, compare, hold and book.
Why choose a Carnival cruise?
Carnival describes its ships as “Fun Ships”, and that philosophy is reflected throughout the onboard experience. Days can be as active or as relaxed as you choose, with activities, entertainment, dining and spaces designed for different ages and interests.
One member of the family might head for the waterslides while another settles beside the pool. Children and teenagers can meet new friends at age-appropriate clubs, while adults enjoy a spa treatment, a quiet retreat or a drink overlooking the ocean. Later, everyone can come together for dinner, live entertainment or a movie under the stars.
Carnival’s onboard offering varies by ship, but experiences can include waterparks and waterslides, stage productions, comedy, live music, karaoke, outdoor movies, bars, spas and adults-only relaxation areas.
Carnival is a good match for travellers who want:
- A relaxed and informal cruise atmosphere
- Plenty of entertainment and onboard activities
- Cruise holidays designed for families
- Age-specific clubs for children and teenagers
- A mix of included and specialty dining
- Short getaways as well as longer itineraries
- Convenient departures from Australian ports
- A holiday where accommodation, transport and much of the entertainment are brought together
Fun from morning until night
There is no single way to spend a day aboard a Carnival ship. Start with breakfast and a sea view, challenge the family to a round of mini golf, relax beside the pool or try one of the ship’s more adventurous attractions. The exact facilities differ between ships, which makes comparing the fleet an important part of choosing your cruise.
During the day, the program may feature games, competitions, trivia, fitness activities, craft sessions and family entertainment. In the evening, the ships come alive with theatre productions, comedy, live music, karaoke and movies shown beneath the stars.
Travellers looking for a quieter experience are not forgotten. Selected ships offer adults-only areas, spa facilities and comfortable lounges where you can slow down and enjoy being at sea. Carnival’s Serenity retreat, for example, provides an adults-only alternative to the livelier family areas found elsewhere onboard.
Carnival cruises for families
Carnival is particularly well suited to families because children, teenagers and adults can enjoy different experiences without having to plan separate holidays.
The ships offer supervised programs organised around different age groups. Camp Ocean caters for children aged 2 to 11, Circle “C” is designed for those aged 12 to 14, and Club O2 gives teenagers aged 15 to 17 their own place to meet and take part in activities. Program availability, operating hours and charges for after-hours services should be checked for the individual sailing.
Around the ship, families can reconnect over pools, waterslides, games, outdoor movies, entertainment and meals. This flexibility can make cruising easier for multi-generational groups too. Grandparents, parents and children can spend part of the day together, pursue their own interests and then meet again for dinner or an evening show.
Accommodation, entertainment, children’s clubs and most dining are generally included in the cruise fare, while specialty restaurants, selected attractions, drinks, shore excursions, spa treatments and other extras may cost more. Always review the inclusions applying to your chosen fare and ship before booking.
Dining aboard Carnival
Food is a big part of the Carnival experience. Guests can enjoy a combination of main dining, casual meals, quick snacks and specialty restaurants, with the range varying from ship to ship.
The included options make it easy to keep the whole family happy, while specialty venues provide opportunities to celebrate an occasion or try something different. Children’s menus are available at many venues, and familiar favourites are offered for younger or more selective diners.
Before booking, it is worth checking the dining offered on your preferred ship. Some restaurants are included in the fare, while others attract a cover charge or à la carte pricing. Reservations may also be recommended for popular specialty venues.
Where do Carnival cruises go from Australia?
Carnival offers a broad selection of local and international itineraries. The ports and destinations available will depend on the departure city, cruise length and travel season.
South Pacific cruises
Set a course for tropical islands, warm water and relaxed days ashore. Carnival’s South Pacific itineraries may visit destinations in Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia, depending on the selected sailing.
These cruises are a popular choice for travellers who want a combination of sea days, beaches, island culture and opportunities to snorkel, swim or simply unwind.
Cruises around Australia
Explore closer to home with cruises visiting Australian coastal destinations. Depending on the itinerary, possibilities can include Tasmania, Moreton Island, Airlie Beach, the Great Barrier Reef and other ports along Australia’s coastline.
New Zealand cruises
Discover dramatic landscapes, welcoming cities and memorable natural attractions on a Carnival cruise to New Zealand. Selected itineraries may visit ports such as Auckland, Wellington and the Bay of Islands, with the exact route varying by departure and sailing date.
Short Carnival cruises
A short cruise is an easy way to sample life at sea or take a break without using too much annual leave. Carnival operates selected two, three and four-night getaways, including cruises that focus on enjoying the ship rather than visiting multiple ports. Current cruise-search results include short getaways from Sydney and Brisbane, although availability changes by season.
Carnival cruise ships in Australia
Carnival Adventure
Carnival Adventure offers a broad mix of activities, dining and entertainment, with departures currently listed from Sydney and selected sailings from Melbourne, Adelaide and Auckland.
Highlights can include multiple pools, Speedway Splash waterslides and EDGE adventure activities such as rock climbing and a flying fox. The ship also features Byron Beach Club, an exclusive retreat available to guests booked in eligible accommodation.
Best suited to: Families, active travellers, groups of friends and guests who enjoy having plenty of onboard choices.
View Carnival Adventure cruises
Carnival Encounter
Sailing primarily from Brisbane, Carnival Encounter combines family activities with dining, entertainment and spaces for adults to relax. Along with Carnival Adventure, she expanded Carnival’s Australian fleet and introduced several experiences that differ from the more traditional Carnival ship offering.
Best suited to: Queensland travellers, families, couples and groups looking for a convenient Brisbane departure.
View Carnival Encounter cruises
Carnival Splendor
Carnival Splendor is one of the line’s established Australian favourites and offers cruises from Sydney to destinations including Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the South Pacific, depending on the season.
Guests can enjoy a colourful, lively ship with pools, entertainment, family activities, dining and the distinctive Green Lightning waterslide.
Best suited to: Families, first-time cruisers and travellers looking for a wide choice of Sydney departures.
View Carnival Splendor cruises
Carnival Luminosa
Carnival Luminosa offers a somewhat more relaxed atmosphere while retaining the accessible dining, entertainment and activities associated with Carnival. The ship is currently listed for cruises from Brisbane and selected international ports, with destinations spanning Australia, Asia, the South Pacific, Alaska, Hawaii and transpacific journeys.
Best suited to: Couples, families, repeat Carnival guests and travellers considering longer or international itineraries.
Carnival cruises from Sydney
A Carnival cruise from Sydney begins with one of cruising’s most memorable sailaways. Depending on the terminal and itinerary, guests may enjoy views of Sydney Harbour before heading towards Australian coastal destinations, New Zealand or the islands of the South Pacific.
Carnival currently lists both Carnival Adventure and Carnival Splendor among its Sydney-based choices. Available holidays range from short sea getaways to longer cruises visiting several ports.
Explore Carnival cruises from Sydney
Carnival cruises from Brisbane
Brisbane provides a convenient starting point for Queensland travellers and visitors from interstate. Carnival Encounter and Carnival Luminosa are currently associated with Brisbane departures, with itineraries ranging from short breaks to South Pacific and Australian coastal cruises.
Before booking flights or accommodation, confirm the cruise terminal and embarkation time shown on your travel documents.
What is included in a Carnival cruise?
Your precise inclusions depend on the fare, ship and sailing, but a Carnival cruise will commonly include:
- Accommodation in your selected stateroom
- Main dining and a selection of casual dining
- Live entertainment and selected shows
- Many onboard activities
- Pools and selected recreation facilities
- Age-appropriate children’s clubs during scheduled hours
- Transportation between the ports on your itinerary
Additional charges may apply to:
- Specialty restaurants
- Alcoholic and selected non-alcoholic drinks
- Wi-Fi
- Shore excursions
- Spa and salon treatments
- Selected adventure activities
- Photography, shopping and arcade games
- Travel insurance and transport to the departure port
Carnival also offers optional pre-cruise packages on selected sailings, bundling benefits such as drinks, Wi-Fi and discounts on certain onboard purchases. Availability and terms vary, so these should be checked against the specific booking rather than presented as a standard inclusion.
Find your Carnival cruise
With different ships, departure ports and cruise lengths to choose from, the best Carnival holiday is the one that matches how you want to travel.
Use our cruise search to compare Carnival cruises by date, destination, ship and departure port. If you would like some help, speak with a Cruiseco cruise specialist or your local Cruiseco travel professional. We can help you compare itineraries, staterooms and available offers so you can book with confidence.
Carnival Cruises Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carnival a good cruise line for families?
Yes. Carnival offers family activities, pools, entertainment and supervised clubs for children and teenagers. The exact facilities and programs vary by ship, so families should compare ships before booking.
Which Carnival ships cruise from Australia?
Carnival’s current Australian offering includes Carnival Adventure, Carnival Encounter, Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa. Ships, departure ports and seasonal deployments are subject to change.
Where do Carnival cruises depart from in Australia?
Many Carnival cruises depart from Sydney or Brisbane. Selected itineraries may also depart from ports such as Melbourne or Adelaide, depending on the ship and season.
Are meals included on a Carnival cruise?
Main dining and a selection of casual dining options are generally included. Specialty restaurants and selected menu items may cost extra. Inclusions differ between ships and fares, so check the details of your selected sailing.
Does Carnival offer short cruises?
Yes. Carnival offers selected short getaways from Australian ports, including cruises of two, three and four nights. Availability varies throughout the year.
Is Carnival suitable for couples without children?
Yes. Although Carnival is well known for family cruising, couples can enjoy entertainment, dining, spa facilities, bars and adults-only spaces. Choosing the right ship, itinerary and travel dates can help create a quieter or more energetic holiday.
When is the best time to book a Carnival cruise?
Booking early usually provides a broader choice of staterooms, dates and itineraries, particularly during school holidays and other popular travel periods. Travellers with flexible dates should also compare current Carnival offers before making a decision.
