Carnival Expands Down Under: New Homeports in Adelaide, Melbourne & Auckland for 2027/28!
Big news, cruisers! Carnival Cruise Line is going full steam ahead Down Under, and this time, it’s bringing more hometown fun than ever before.
The world’s most popular cruise line has just revealed its 2027/28 Australia and New Zealand program, and it’s a game-changer—featuring five homeports, brand-new itineraries, and a whole lot of reasons to celebrate local cruising.
Carnival is already known for bringing the good times, but this expansion takes things to a whole new level. The cruise line will continue to sail year-round from Sydney and Brisbane, while adding exciting new seasons in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Auckland. That means more cruisers than ever will be able to start their Carnival adventure right from their own backyard.
“Carnival is sailing from five homeports in Australia and New Zealand in 2027/28, and we remain the only global cruise line committed to sailing in this region year-round,” said Peter Little, Country Manager for Carnival Corporation & plc.
“We’ve listened to our guests who wanted more opportunities to cruise locally, and we’re thrilled to deliver that with voyages from Adelaide, Melbourne, and Auckland.”
A Season to Remember
After a little TLC in dry dock, Carnival Adventure will make a stylish return in March 2027—ready to homeport in Melbourne for the first time in eight years! The ship will also sail from Adelaide and Auckland, alongside Carnival Splendor, which remains based in Sydney, and Carnival Encounter and Carnival Luminosa, which will continue their Brisbane adventures.
The 2027/28 program is no small splash:
200+ cruises across four ships
39 destinations throughout Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific
500,000 guests expected to cruise over the 12-month season
Water flumes on the Carnival Adventure cruise ship
Where You Can Sail
Auckland (May – July 2027)
Carnival Adventure will kick things off with nine departures, including a four-night Norfolk Island getaway and longer South Pacific voyages to Fiji, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia. The season wraps up with a one-way cruise from Auckland to Sydney on July 29, 2027.
Melbourne (January – February 2028)
Melburnians, rejoice! Starting Jan. 31, 2028, you can hop aboard for two- to three-night getaways or four-night Kangaroo Island escapes, perfect for a quick break or a cheeky long weekend.
Adelaide (February – March 2028)
Adelaide finally gets its moment in the sun, with five departures, including a five-night South Australia coastal voyage visiting Port Lincoln and Kangaroo Island. Local cruiser Shirley Van Hout summed it up best:
“It’s about time Adelaide has a cruise ship, it means easier access. What’s good about cruise is everything is under one roof.”
Sydney (Year-Round)
Sydney will keep the fun going with short escapes to Moreton Island, Phillip Island, and Tasmania, as well as longer tropical holidays to the South Pacific and the Great Barrier Reef. Plus, fan favorites like the Melbourne Cup Cruise and Mutiny on the Bounty & Fiji are back on the roster.
Brisbane (Year-Round)
Brisbane cruisers can enjoy everything from three-night mini breaks to nine-night Tasmania itineraries, including scenic cruising in Great Oyster Bay, a Carnival first!
Cruising Close to Home Has Never Looked So Good
Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a Carnival regular, this expanded program makes it easier (and more exciting) than ever to set sail without flying halfway across the world. With so many new homeports and itineraries to choose from, Carnival’s 2027/28 season is shaping up to be a vibrant celebration of local cruising, full of sunshine, laughter, and that signature Carnival fun.
So, grab your crew, pack your sunnies, and get ready to cruise closer to home, because Carnival just made “staycations” way more fun.