What our readers think of Carnival cruise ships: “For $100 per night for accommodation, food and entertainment… where else you would get it?”

Cruise Passenger readers always have plenty to say about what’s going on in Australian cruise, and today it’s Carnvial cruise ships producing most comment. In Your Say, Cruise Passenger looks at the issues our readers are writing to us about on our blogs, posts and newsletters. 

As the 2025/26 cruise season approaches, cruisers continue to talk about the current state of affairs in cruising. 

A big topic has been the divisiveness of Carnival Cruises. Carnival now operates four ships in Australian waters and offers by far the most economical prices that an Aussie cruiser will find. However, other cruisers feel that the line is slipping in quality or doesn’t offer the level of service that other lines operating in Australia do.

Julie Duran says: “I had only ever been on Princess or Royal Caribbean but I went on Adventure in July on the barrier reef cruise and had a great time.

“Yes the meals weren’t probably to the same standards but the cruise was half the price. I could have eaten in Luke’s bar and grill every night and still come out ahead.

“For an average of $100 per night per person for accommodation, food and entertainment l would love to know what you expect or where else you would get it.”

Other cruisers also reported positive experiences with Carnival Cruise Ships, but did feel that Carnival didn’t get all the details right. 

“Just got off the Splendour yesterday and have planned our next cruise for South Pacific in 2027. The Gold Pearl food wasn’t as good as expected and the burgers were greasy burgers. But service was good and they were very helpful and rooms were cleaned daily.”

Kate Adams wrote: “On board now. First time with Carnival but have a few times in the past on Pacific Adventure. It has a different feel to it now, but not better or worse than P&O. Food was good.

“I haven’t seen our room attendant yet, but the room was set up was good. So far I’m happy”

Some cruisers reported an overall negative experience, despite friendly crew members.

Karen Owen wrote: “Got off two weeks ago after 10 day New Caledonia cruise. The staff were, in the main, lovely and accommodating.

“The Carnival App through which everything has to be done was complete rubbish. Spent hours in line with a quarter of the rest of the boat at customer services to get it sorted only to have to go back a second time.

“Meals were sub average ended up spending a lot extra going to speciality dining as if I was going to pay, I may as well have decent meals.

“I have sailed a few other lines, this was my first Carnival and will be my only – if you are booked – good luck.”

“I have sailed a few other lines, this was my first Carnival and will be my only – if you are booked – good luck.”

What do you think of Carnival’s ships? Are they your go to option in Australia or do you avoid them?

Elsewhere Aussies are happy to hear that Celebrity Cruises will be stepping up its presence in Australia with more Celebrity Solstice sailings.”

Nigel Beavis wrote: “Celebrity Solstice is my favorite cruise ship. Still remember the 17 day cruise from Fremantle over the top end to Sydney. Best cruise ever did not want to get off.”

Gloria Delume wrote: “Sailed on the Solstice last year to Hawaii, now booked for October sailing to Singapore.

“Great ship, great food, friendly staff.”

Another cruiser Mark Smith wrote: “This is great news. I prefer Solstice Class over Edge Class.”

Aussie cruisers were upset to hear that tea and coffee won’t be part of the new non-alcohol Carnival drinks package in Australia.

Ben Davi wrote: “If P&O could do it for under $33 per day surely Carnival would be still making a profit at $39 per day with specialty coffee and tea.

“I had my last P&O alcohol free drinks package on Carnival Adventure as I had purchased it prior to the closure of P&O, I was going to purchase the Zero package but now seeing that specialty coffee and tea is excluded I won’t purchase it.”

Please keep those comments coming!

WE VALUE YOUR COMMENTS AND ENJOY READING WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY ABOUT OUR STORIES. PLEASE KEEP THOSE COMMENTS COMING ON THE STORIES – AND WE’LL PICK OUT THE BEST EACH WEEK FOR THIS NEW COLUMN