This week was a massive week for Carnival Corporation with the brand announcing it would be transferring the Golden Princess to P&O, the larger Ruby Princess to be moved Down Under, Carnival Cruise Line will be sailing two ships full-time in Australia and there will be a fourth ship built for luxury line Cunard.

With Princess Cruises’ new Ocean Medallion rolling out throughout the entire fleet, this will mean P&O guests will be able to experience the same technology when the Golden Princess is transformed into P&O’s newest ship in 2020.  

Carnival Australia’s Executive Chairman Ann Sherry said the move was to support Australian’s growing love of cruising.

“Carnival’s commitment to this market and the decision to put P&O Cruises’ guests at the heart of industry innovation through Ocean Medallion is a mark of respect for the Australian consumer,” said Ms Sherry.

The plans for Carnival Corporation cruise lines include:

• Ocean Medallion-enabled Golden Princess will sail under the P&O Cruises brand from 2020.

• P&O Cruises’ fleet will be refreshed over time.

• Princess Cruises will replace Golden Princess with the larger 3000+ guest Ruby Princess which will be Ocean Medallion-enabled before her arrival, sailing alongside flagship Majestic Princess.

• Carnival Cruise Line intends to increase its Australia operation to two ships sailing full-time in 2020.  The detailed deployment will be announced in May 2018. As part of the strategic realignment, Carnival Splendor will remain within Carnival Cruise Line’s global fleet.

“Seven of Carnival Corporation’s nine cruise brands sail in this market and we intend to further strengthen our leadership position,” said Ms Sherry

“In fact, this is a year of milestones for our Australian business:  P&O Cruises marks a staggering 85 years as the home-grown cruise line, Princess Cruises celebrates more than 40 years sailing in Australia while Carnival Cruise Line notches up its five-year anniversary.

“Our brands have pioneered the growth of the industry and set the industry up for success, and today’s announcement is about taking deliberate and strategic steps for the future of the business.  We are making sure our locally-based fleet is fit-for-purpose and is at the cutting edge of revolutionising the cruise experience for Australian guests.”