Australia’s summer of cruising has begun, with Carnival Corporation confirming 17 ships from across its brands will sail in local waters over the coming months.
The fleet is expected to generate around $4 billion in economic value through destination tourism and supplier partnerships, according to Carnival.
The Aussie season kicked off with the return of Crown Princess to Sydney on 26 September 2025 after completing a 113-night world voyage. It will conclude on 15 April 2026 when Island Princess departs Brisbane.
Across the seven Carnival Corporation lines operating in the region – Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Cunard, Seabourn, P&O Cruises (UK) and Costa – 448 port calls are scheduled.
Carnival Cruise Line’s homeported ships, including Carnival Adventure, Carnival Splendor, Carnival Encounter and Carnival Luminosa, will account for the highest number of turnarounds at 140.
In total, nearly 600,000 passengers are expected to sail during the season, with eight ships homeported in Sydney and Brisbane and another nine visiting as part of world itineraries.
New ship
Highlights include the Australian debut of Discovery Princess in December, alongside extended luxury voyages aboard Holland America’s Noordam and Seabourn Quest.
With itineraries spanning local coastlines, the South Pacific and New Zealand, Carnival Corporation says it is offering everything from affordable short cruises to ultra-luxury expeditions, ensuring something for every kind of traveller this summer.
“The demand for domestic cruises is high because Australians understand they offer great value for money while being a fun, easy way to enjoy precious time with family and friends this summer,” Carnival Corporation Country Manager Peter Little said.
In September, Princess Cruises announced its return to Western Australia in 2027, homeporting Sapphire Princess in Fremantle for the summer season. The return marks the line’s first WA deployment in eight years and makes Princess the only major premium cruise brand homeporting from the state.
