Carnival Just Announced New Homeports for 2027–2028

Carnival Cruise Line is going all in Down Under. The line has revealed its biggest-ever season in Australia and New Zealand for 2027 and 2028, featuring five homeports and more than 200 cruises visiting 39 destinations across the region.

Here’s a look at where Carnival ships will be departing from in 2027 and 2028.

1. Adelaide

Carnival Cruise Line will homeport a ship in Adelaide for the first time as part of its 2027–2028 deployment. Carnival Adventure will operate a series of five sailings from the South Australian port between February and March 2028.

The itineraries include five-night cruises visiting Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln, offering guests an easy way to explore some of the state’s best coastal destinations. The move marks Carnival’s debut in Adelaide and responds to demand from South Australian guests seeking a closer-to-home cruise option.

2. Auckland

Carnival will also sail from Auckland for the first time, expanding its presence across the Tasman. Between May and July 2027, Carnival Adventure will offer nine cruises from the New Zealand port ranging from four to ten nights in length.

Longer itineraries will visit destinations such as Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia, giving New Zealand guests a convenient way to explore the South Pacific without needing to fly overseas. The deployment marks Carnival’s first-ever homeporting season in New Zealand and highlights the growing importance of the region in the cruise line’s plans.

3. Melbourne

Carnival will return to Melbourne for the first time in eight years during its 2027–2028 season. Carnival Adventure will operate eight sailings from the city between January and February 2028.

These include short two- and three-night getaway cruises, as well as a four-night itinerary to Kangaroo Island. The return to Melbourne reflects renewed demand for short-break cruises and provides Victorians with fresh opportunities to experience Carnival close to home.

4. Sydney

Carnival will continue to sail year-round from Sydney, maintaining its position as the cruise line’s primary Australian homeport. Carnival Splendor will remain based in the city, offering cruises ranging from two to fourteen days in length.

Itineraries will include popular destinations such as the Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Moreton Island, and Tasmania. Sydney’s year-round program remains a cornerstone of Carnival’s Australian operations, attracting both local and international guests.

5. Brisbane

Brisbane will continue to serve as a year-round homeport for Carnival, with both Carnival Encounter and Carnival Luminosa operating from the city. Cruises will range from three to fourteen nights, visiting destinations from the Great Barrier Reef to the South Pacific.

For the first time, Carnival will introduce a nine-night Tasmania itinerary from Brisbane, featuring calls at Hobart, Port Arthur and Eden, along with scenic cruising in Great Oyster Bay. The new program adds more variety for Queensland cruisers and strengthens Brisbane’s position as one of Carnival’s key homeports.

Final Word

With five homeports across Australia and New Zealand in 2027 and 2028, Carnival Cruise Line is preparing for its most extensive regional deployment to date. The program will see more than 200 cruises visiting 39 destinations, offering a greater range of itineraries than ever before.

Peter Little, Carnival Corporation & plc Country Manager, said the expansion reflects the line’s strong commitment to the region. “Carnival is sailing from five homeports in Australia and New Zealand in 2027 and 2028, and we remain the only global cruise line committed to sailing here year-round,” he said.

Bookings for these new sailings are expected to open soon, giving cruisers in Adelaide, Auckland, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane more opportunities to join a Carnival voyage close to home.

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