- At the end of March, Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure will become part of the Carnival Cruise Line Australia fleet.
- A Q&A sent out to P&O and Carnival passengers reveals new information but leaves some questions unanswered.
- The ships will go into dry-dock in Singapore in 2026 and 2027 respectively.
P&O Cruises Australia ships will become part of Carnival Cruises next month. Many Australian cruises have been asking: What does it mean?
Many eyes have been on the images and stories of Pacific Explorer, which has already sailed its final voyage and is being dismantled, as it becomes Star Voyager for Resorts World Cruises.
Others are shifting their attention towards what Carnival Encounter and Carnival Adventure will look like when they start sailing at the end of March.
The P&O site will begin redirecting all traffic to Carnival’s site from March 11.
Given that the ships will only have a very quick pit-stop of a few weeks in Melbourne before continuing operations as Carnival ships, the general expectation is that to start off with, they won’t be all that different from the P&O ships we already know.
The ships will then go into dry-docks in Singapore, in 2026 and 2027, where more significant changes are expected.
The biggest current question marks are simply over what venues we should expect to see on the ships during their first sailings. It’s confirmed that many P&O favourites will be staying, but it isn’t yet clear if this means the ships will operate with only P&O venues
With only a few weeks until these ships start sailing under the Carnival banner, here’s everything we know so far.
Dining and food
Will Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter have free pizza like the other Carnival ships?
When the ships join Carnival Cruise Line, free pizza will be served from Deck 7 between 11am and 4pm daily.
Will Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter have free soft-serve like the other Carnival ships?
Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter won’t be getting Swirls soft-serve. New Zealand Natural will continue to be on both ships when they join Carnival Cruise Line, offering a great selection of ice cream, shakes and sundaes (fees apply).
Are any of the restaurants remaining onboard Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter?
Many of your favourite restaurants and food options from P&O Cruises Australia will be remaining, including Waterfront, Luke’s Bar & Grill, Angelo’s and Dragon Lady.
Will Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter have free burgers like the other Carnival ships?
Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter will not be getting the included burger dining option that is available on some Carnival ships. However, Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter will continue to have Luke’s Burger Bar onboard offering mouth-watering burgers, salad and hot dogs. Please note that Luke’s Burger Bar is not included in the cruise fare.
Will Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter have the Carnival drink packages? What happens if guests have pre-purchased a P&O drinks package?
For guests who have purchased a P&O drinks package, the product will be unchanged. We are in the process of finalising future drink packages for Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter. Watch this space for an announcement soon.
What we don’t know
- It is still unclear which restaurants will be on theships begin sailing. While it’s confirmed that some P&O restaurants will stay, it’s unclear even if the other restaurants of P&O will remain and if any Carnival restaurants will come over the first year/two years of the new ships lives.
- As stated, the exact drinks package offerings on the new ships are not yet known.
- Furthermore, it hasn’t been stated if bar and nightlife offerings will be the same as on P&O, or if they updated in some capacity or converted to Carnival venues.
Kids and families
Will there be any changes to Kids Clubs when the ships join Carnival Cruise Line?
The onboard Kids Club programs on Carnival Adventure™ and Carnival Encounter™ will be updated to Carnival’s youth program Camp Ocean, and teen programs Circle “C” and Club O2. Carnival’s Turtles program will also be available on both ships where children under two years of age are welcome to join in Camp Ocean activities during specific times. Parents will have the option to leave their under two-year-olds in the care of youth staff for a fee, or they can stay with the child and use the facilities at no charge.
Will Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter have Build-A-Bear workshops?
Build-A-Bear Workshops at Sea will take place on Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter cruises (charges apply).
Will Carnival’s Conga for Kids initiative be on Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter?
Yes, just like on Carnival’s other two Australian based ships, Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter will have ‘Conga for Kids’ on cruises 7 nights or more.
What we don’t know
- Carnival has other kids activities such as Zumbini, Dr Seuss activities, a video arcade and more, it is unclear if these activities will also be available on P&O.
Activities and entertainment
What will the theme nights be on Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter?
Both Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter will be getting Carnival theme nights, including the electrifying 80s Rock ‘n’ Glow, Silent White-Hot Night, and Elegant Evenings.
Is Blanc de Blanc Uncorked continuing on Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter?
Yes, this award-winning show direct from Strut & Fret Las Vegas will be continuing, providing you with the opportunity to watch the finest cabaret and acrobatic talent from around the world, combined with risqué humour, opulence, and edge-of-your-seat theatre (charges apply).
Are the Twin Racer Waterslides staying on Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter?
When the ships join Carnival, you’ll still be able to race your friends on the twin racer waterslides, although the slides will be getting a new name, so watch this space!
What we don’t know
- If P&O’s themed cruise, such as 80s cruises will become part of Carnival’s plans moving forward.
- If any of the shows from current Carnival ships will be available on the new ships.
- The new name and any possible changes to the slides and water park.
More Frequently Asked Questions from Carnival
Will there be any changes to accommodation options on Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter when they join Carnival Cruise Line?
When the ships join Carnival Cruise Line the names of the room categories will be changed to bring them in line with the other Carnival ships. This will mean that all mini suites will be renamed to Ocean Suites, and those that have access to Byron Beach Club will have ‘Byron’ in the category name.
Please note: The current P&O S8 two-bedroom suites will no longer be available, and are being converted into two separate bookable rooms – an interior quad, and a Vista suite with Byron Beach Club access.
Will you keep the same Past Passenger Number?
Guest’s CCN will remain in the POLAR Online system where their P&O Cruises Australia cruise history will count towards Princess’ Captain Circle loyalty program. When bookings are moved over to GoCCL, guests will be issued with a VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) number. If they have previously cruised with Carnival Cruise Line using the same contact details, their original VIFP number will be added to their booking.
What will happen to Future Cruise Deposits?
As part of the transition to Carnival Cruise Line, the P&O FCD program has been phased out. Guests who currently hold a P&O Future Cruise Deposit will have until 15 February 2025 (Book By Date) to redeem it towards new bookings on any available P&O departures on or before 30 June 2027 (Sail By Date). Guests will be able to book via their preferred travel agent.
What will happen if I cancel a booking on a CCL operated sailing that was made prior to the brand transition?
Please refer to P&O booking confirmation document. The same booking cancellation policy applies.
Will I be able to bring a bottle of wine onboard in their carry-on luggage on Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter?
Yes, Carnival’s liquor and beverage policy will apply on Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, which means, guests can bring one 750 ml bottle per adult (18 years of age or older) onboard. Port, Vermouth, Sherry and other fortified wines, over 15% alcohol by volume (ABV), cannot be brought on board.
Will there be any changes to accommodation options on Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter when they join Carnival Cruise Line?
When the ships join Carnival Cruise Line the names of the room categories will be changed to bring them in line with the other Carnival ships. This will mean that all mini suites will be renamed to Ocean Suites, and those that have access to Byron Beach Club will have ‘Byron’ in the category name.
Please note: The current P&O S8 two-bedroom suites will no longer be available, and are being converted into two separate bookable rooms – an interior quad, and a Vista suite with Byron Beach Club access.
Will I need to add my dietary requirements again when my booking is moved over to Carnival Cruise Line?
Any information provided on your booking (to P&O Cruises Australia) about dietary requirements will be passed over to Carnival Cruise Line, however you should reconfirm your requirements with the Maître D or head waiter when you get onboard.
Will I need to add my medical, mobility or accessibility requirements again when my booking is moved over to Carnival Cruise Line?
Any information provided on your booking (to P&O Cruises Australia) about medical, mobility or accessibility requirements will be passed over to Carnival Cruise Line. You can also find out more information about medical needs and accessibility on the Carnival Cruise Line website Please note that Carnival Cruise Line, including their Guest Access team, will not be able to access your booking details until mid-March 2025. Before this date you can continue to contact P&O Cruises Australia on 13 24 94 (AU) / 0800 78 0716 (NZ).
Related Posts
-
Carnival Corp has placed an order for three new massive ships, each capable of accommodating…
-
Carnival Splendor vs Carnival Adventure: how rebadged P&O ships will differ from Carnival classics Published…
Adding 2 more ships full of fun, dedicated crew and all that Carnival offers will be great for Australian cruisers. Looking forward to seeing the itineraries and booking on Adventure really soon.
Will my P&O days be transferred to my Carnival VIFP number?
The worst part of this is the CCL drink package is very poor when compared to the P&O offering.
Having travelled on both brands, unfortunately this change is not for the better.
P&O was pretty good at charging for everything, but carnival takes it to new depth.
will any cruisers be leaving from Melbourne ??
Looks like a general downgrade for the brand.
No free soft serve, no free burgers, same rigid dining times as P&O already has.
I’ll stick with princess thanks.
I think it’s a pity that it seems that the Gatsby nights will go. 80s theme nights are so common but the Gatsby night on P&O was my favourite theme night ever!
Will sailing on The new P&O Carnival , will the sailing days count to Princess cruises as well