Carnival Luminosa sailed into Brisbane International Cruise Terminal on 10 November 2024, marking her third season as Carnival Cruise Line adds the rebranded Carnival Encounter in March 2025 for year-round cruising from the Queensland capital.
The two ships cement Carnival Cruise Line’s ongoing commitment to Queensland with Carnival Encounter homeporting from Brisbane year-round and Carnival Luminosa seasonally.
With a capacity of around 2,260 guests, Carnival Luminosa will take more than 70,000 holidaymakers on 24 voyages between November 2024 and April 2025.
Cruise itineraries depart from Brisbane and sail to Far North Queensland, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea.
Regional Queensland destinations are also a high priority with Carnival ships planning to visit Moreton Island 50 times in 2025, Airlie Beach 52 times and Cairns 28 times in 2025
The ships are expected to inject nearly $800 million into the Queensland economy over the next 12 months – more than double the $406 milllion generated in FY24.
Carnival Cruise Line Vice President Kara Glamore said: “The decision to keep Carnival Encounter based here in Brisbane year-round is an indication of how much Queenslanders love cruising from their capital city. As we expand our fleet, Carnival’s commitment to the Sunshine State has never been stronger.”
Carnival Cruise Line’s summer season will culminate with the expansion to four ships in Australia in March 2025 when P&O Cruises Australia transitions into the fleet.
The rebranded Carnival Adventure, operating year-round from Sydney and visiting destinations such as Moreton Island, Airlie Beach and Cairns, will join Carnival Luminosa, the newly refreshed Carnival Splendor and Carnival Encounter.
For more info, head to carnival.com.au
