Carnival Reveals Fresh New Look for Latest Fleet Additions Down Under

It’s official: Carnival Cruise Line is giving two former P&O Cruises Australia favourites a striking new makeover as they prepare to join their fun-loving fleet.

Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure, previously sailing under the now-defunct P&O Cruises Australia brand, will soon debut as Carnival Encounter and Carnival Adventure—with some eye-catching updates.

Carnival Cruise Line, parent company of both P&O Cruises and the former P&O Cruises Australia, recently showcased on their website the sleek, fresh look planned for these Grand-class vessels. After their two-week stint in wet dock, Carnival Encounter and Carnival Adventure will hit the waves sporting new, vibrant liveries distinctly different from the classic Carnival fleet style.

Fans of Carnival’s traditional blue hulls with bold red-and-white accents might notice something rather unique here. In fact, these newly adopted ships will follow the creative example set by Carnival Splendor during her 2024 makeover. Carnival Encounter will showcase a clean white hull with a striking red stripe, while Carnival Adventure will get a crisp white hull accented by a cool blue or turquoise flourish.

Paying special homage to Australia, the ships’ hulls will also proudly display an upgraded Carnival logo featuring a stylised swoop and stars representing the iconic Southern Cross constellation, a beloved symbol appearing on Australia’s national flag. It’s Carnival’s thoughtful nod to the ships’ Australian homeports.

Currently homeported in Sydney, Carnival Splendor will soon have company as Carnival Adventure, accommodating up to 2,363 guests, begins her sailings out of Sydney from 29 March 2025. On the same date, the slightly larger Carnival Encounter—hosting up to 2,600 guests—will begin welcoming passengers in Brisbane, her familiar former homeport.

Rather than mourning the Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure’s retirement from their former identities, Carnival encourages cruise lovers to celebrate the vessels’ exciting “glow-up” and fresh beginnings.

After Pacific Adventure wraps up her farewell voyage—a four-night getaway from Sydney to Moreton Island on 14 March 2025—both ships will enter wet dock to commence their transformations.

Kara Glamore, Carnival’s VP of Sales and Marketing, sees the rebrand as a golden chance: “This transition presents a unique opportunity to combine the best of P&O Cruises Australia and Carnival Cruise Line as the brand expands its footprint in Australia.”

While the ships will embrace Carnival’s vibrant “Fun Ship” energy—complete with a Fun Squad leading energetic theme nights and legendary parties like the Glow Party and White-Hot Night—they will also preserve beloved features from their P&O Cruises Australia days. Guests can continue to savour top-notch dining at Luke’s Bar & Grill, Angelo’s, and Dragon Lady, catch sensational performances like the Blanc de Blanc show, and experience adrenaline thrills at sea with the Edge Adventure Park’s ziplining.

For passengers seeking an extra touch of luxury, Carnival Encounter and Carnival Adventure suites and mini-suites provide access to the exclusive Byron Beach Club, boasting a private pool, whirlpool spas, and cosy, VIP-worthy seating.

It’s clear Carnival Cruise Line is committed to celebrating the spirit of these much-loved ships—infusing them with the brand’s legendary zest for fun, while thoughtfully preserving what guests have long enjoyed.

Welcome to the fleet, Carnival Encounter and Carnival Adventure—let the good times roll!

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