CARNIVAL Cruise Lines has confirmed its return to cruising out of Melbourne, at the same time as spreading home-port operations to Port Adelaide and Auckland.
As first announced in March this year Carnival Adventure will be based at Station Pier for four cruises in March 2027 and will return for another season in 2028.
Carnival last week released its /2028 AUS program, announcing continued year-round sailing from the marquee ports of Sydney and Brisbane as well as first-ever seasons in Adelaide and Auckland.
After returning from Singapore dry dock in March 2027, Carnival Adventure will homeport in Melbourne — marking Carnival Cruise Line’s first homeport season in the city in eight years.
Two years ago in a much publicised move Carnival announced it was withdrawing group brands Cunard and Princess Cruises from Melbourne calls after Ports Victoria announced a 15% increase in passenger fees, from $28.50 to $32 per person effective 1 January 2024, the first increase since 21 July 2021.
“We have an ongoing maintenance program for the upkeep of Station Pier as an operational shipping facility and our fees will continue to support those works,” a spokesperson said at the time.
Ports Victoria welcomed last week’s announcement.
CEO Craig Walker said the team at Station Pier looks forward to welcoming passengers and vessels every year as the cruise season unfolds and Carnival Cruise Lines announcement would be welcomed by Victorian cruise fans.
In March 2027, Carnival Adventure will offer four voyages from the Victorian capital. These include three voyages to one of Australia’s most stunning destinations, Kangaroo Island, and a two-day getaway to Sydney – the perfect introduction to cruising for first-timers or those seeking a quick escape. The 2028 lineup of Carnival Adventure’s cruise destinations from Melbourne includes a total of eight departures.
“Carnival is sailing from five homeports in Australia and New Zealand in /28 and we remain the only global cruise line committed to sailing in this region year-round,” Carnival Corporation & plc country manager Peter Little said.
Carnival Adventure will be homeporting in Adelaide, Melbourne and Auckland, as well as Sydney. Carnival Splendor will continue to homeport year-round in Sydney, while Carnival Encounter will be based year-round in Brisbane and will be joined by Carnival Luminosa in the summer.
