Carnival to cut Australian fleet by half in 2028 over costs and regulation

Carnival Cruise Line confirmed that its Australian presence will be reduced by 50% when Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Adventure exit the market in March 2028. The two vessels will make their final voyages from Sydney on March 15 and March 20, respectively, leaving only Carnival Splendor and Carnival Encounter to sail year-round. The decision reflects the cruise operator’s concerns about high operating costs and the lack of a stable regulatory environment beyond one outlet exemption period.

Although the Australian federal government has prolonged the Coastal Trading Act exemption until the end of 2028, Carnival says this does not resolve longer-term uncertainties. Country manager Peter Little described the extension as a welcome but interim measure and said Carnival will stay engaged with officials in Canberra as new rules are shaped. The move follows similar pull-backs by other cruise lines such as Cunard, Virgin Voyages and Disney.