brisbane to sydney cruise 2 days

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• Short Break Cruises

Short Cruises from Brisbane

Planning an impromptu quick getaway or considering a short holiday? Make the most of your time off and pack all the action of a full-length holiday into half the time with a P&O Short Break cruise from Brisbane. Our 2, 3, and 4 night cruises from Brisbane are the perfect way to see and do more in a short period of time - even if ‘doing more’ means simply kicking back and relaxing!

Whether you’re blowing out the candles on another birthday , tossing confetti for a wedding or vow renewal, or enjoying a family reunion, P&O short cruises are a great holiday option. Even if you’re not marking a special occasion, our short cruises themselves are something to celebrate. From barrels of laughter on our signature comedy cruises to retro-themed parties on our 80s cruises, Short Breaks cruises offer an unforgettable holiday experience.

Enjoy a short break that’s long on value

Forget about hotel transfers, connecting flights, and lost baggage: Our short cruises from Brisbane take smooth sailing to a whole other level. Kick back on a country music cruise or dive into crystalline waters on our cruise to the Whitsundays - all you have to worry about is having the best time possible, and we’ll do the rest.

No matter which short cruise you choose, you’ll enjoy access to all our onboard facilities, a wide range of events and activities, and all the wonders cruise holidays have to offer - all for just one fare. You’ll return to port feeling refreshed and with plenty of great holiday snaps and stories to tell.

Test the waters of cruise holidays

Not sure you’re ready to dive into a full-length P&O cruise? Our short cruises are a great way for first time cruisers to try our cruise offering before buying a ticket aboard a longer trip. Get your sea legs on a short cruise out of Brisbane and get familiar with P&O’s long list of onboard experiences. From first-class entertainment to waterparks and mouth-watering restaurants, we’ve got something to suit every passenger. With over 60 onboard activities on offer everyday, the hardest part is choosing which one you’ll do next!

Dining & Restaurants

Health & fitness, entertainment, set sail on a family cruise.

At P&O, we know that holidaying with kids can be challenging. Finding activities that appeal to adults and younger family members isn’t always easy, and the risk of cabin fever is real. On your next family trip, banish school holiday boredom and book into a P&O short cruise. Between our age-appropriate Kids’ Clubs, kid-friendly waterparks, and onboard babysitting facilities,it’s fun the whole family will love.

Find a Short Cruise from Brisbane

Our brisbane cruise terminal.

P&O short cruises from Brisbane depart from the Brisbane Portside Cruise Terminal in Hamilton, on the bank of the Brisbane river. The Brisbane cruise port is wheelchair accessible and easy to get to by train, taxi, or car, with short-term parking available on the premises.

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Brisbane to Sydney: 2-Night Pacific Explorer Cruise

Something for everyone can be found onboard Pacific Explorer!Whiz down waterslides by day, enjoy great restaurants, bars and edgy stage shows at night. There’s something for every member of the family.When it comes to dining, you are spoilt for choice with 12 dining experiences all included in your cruise fare. Or, treat yourself to something special at Luke's our amazing celebrity chef restaurant with Luke Mangan. Enjoy a mouthwatering signature burger at lunch, a delicious three-course a la carte dinner with the sunset, or try our award winning pizza in P&O Trattoria.

Australia & New Zealand Cruises

Brisbane to Sydney

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The luxury of choice

Catering to individual travel preferences, we are pleased to offer our guests the luxury of choice when selecting the perfect fare.

Prices valid until August 31, 2024 but may increase on September 1, 2024 and are subject to availability.

• 2 Countries

Bookended by two amazing Australian cities, this voyage takes you on a tour of New Zealand. Beginning with a trinity of sea days, your first NZ stop is Bay of Islands, followed by Auckland. After tasting the city multi-cultural vibe, move on to Tauranga, followed by Gisborne then Napier. Wellington – small, compact and lovely looking – is next, then it’s on to mighty scenery of New Zealand’s South Isle for some of the country’s famed grandeur.

The excursions are provided as a sample of what may be offered on this voyage and are subject to change. We are constantly updating our shore excursion programme with immersive and authentic experiences, so please do not hesitate to review your tour programme choice closer to your sail date. We invite guests to visit my.silversea.com for the most updated information.

Silversea's oceanview suites are some of the most spacious in luxury cruising. All include the services of a butler thanks to the highest service ratio at sea and almost all have a private teak veranda so that you can breathe in the fresh sea air by merely stepping outside your door. Select your suite and Request a Quote - guests who book early are rewarded with the best fares and ability to select their desired suite.

All inclusive onboard benefits

Silver Muse marked a new era of ultra-luxury ocean travel for us - enhancing the small-ship intimacy and spacious all-suite accommodation that are our hallmarks but raising the bar in terms of luxury. Silver Muse offers a wealth of enhancements to the onboard experience while satisfying our uncompromising requirements for comfort, service, dining and quality of the world's most discerning travellers.

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The ultimate Brisbane to Sydney road trip

Sally Scott

Travel Journalist

30 October 2023

Find out where to stop, stay and play along the Pacific Highway.

A Brisbane to Sydney drive (or the reverse) is a rite of passage in Australia. While many tread the well-worn path with just a brief pit stop in Coffs Harbour , it’s worth detouring off the highway to explore the many coastal towns dotted along the way.

Take two days to a week meandering to enjoy those nearby sights — it’s an opportunity to experience more of this beautiful country like a local.

Brisbane to Ballina: 2.5 hours drive

You can’t leave the buzz of Brisbane without a hearty feed to set you up for the day. If you’re looking for recommendations, head to West End for a haven of cafes all competing for the best brunch award.

The Gunshop Cafe is particularly renowned for its breakfast fare, including brekky burgers, coconut and passion fruit French toast, and fried chicken with waffles and poached eggs.

Head to the Gunshop Cafe for breakfast and smoothies.

Once you’re on the road heading towards Ballina, stop halfway in Burleigh Heads for a cheeky beach trip and a cold one at Burleigh Pavillion before you leave the sunshine feeling in Queensland .

Bypass bustling Byron Bay and head for the laid-back beach vibes of Ballina on the North Coast of New South Wales and its stretch of stunning beaches.

A serene spot to sip refreshing cocktails at Ballina beach. (Image: Burleigh Pavillion)

Ballina highlights

One of the cutest spots to eat and drink here is The Belle General . With a boho feel, great coffee, and a nourishing menu, it’s a great place to start your day.

Blessed with 25km of cycle paths, it’d be a shame not to get out and enjoy them. Hire a bike and enjoy the scenery along the banks of Richmond River.

Or how about heading to a crashing waterfall? Just 20-minutes away is Killen Falls offering a viewing platform to see the magnificence up close.

The enchanting Killen Falls is situated at the heart of a rainforest. (Image: Destination NSW)

If it’s raining, make your way to Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum , and when you’re ready for dinner, order a bowl of Ballina prawns at Riva Bar & Grill . Don’t forget to pass the Big Prawn on your way out, one of Australia’s iconic big things.

Accommodation tip: Ballina Palms Boutique Motel – your own private oasis in the heart of Ballina.

Stay in this cosy boutique motel on your visit to Ballina.

Ballina to Yamba: 1.5 hours drive

Situated at the mouth of the Clarence River, you won’t regret a brief stop at the beach town of Yamba .

Go on an exhilarating road trip to the coastal town of Yamba. (Image: Destination NSW)

Yamba highlights

Grab a cuppa at Bean Scene Cafe Yamba which uses beans from local North Coast roaster, Eleganza Vietato.

Soak up the friendly village vibe and stretch your legs with some leisurely browsing along Yamba’s main street where you’ll find a strong selection of surf shops, homewares, and fashion stores, including Shack Yamba – a lifestyle store filled with coastal goodies.

Al fresco dining at the Bean Scene Cafe.

Accommodation tip: Yamba Beach Motel – overlooks Main Beach and it’s close to town.

Stop by the Yamba Beach Motel to rest and rejuvenate.

Yamba to Port Macquarie: 3 hours drive

This former convict settlement of Port Macquarie has shaken off the shackles to become one of Australia’s most popular holiday towns.

Port Macquarie highlights

You’re spoilt for choice with top spots for breakfast with a side of ocean views. Start the day with coffee at Salty Crew Kiosk right on the shores of Town Beach or Sandbox Port Macquarie for beachside brunching overlooking Flynn’s Beach.

Stretch your legs with a walk along the iconic Port Macquarie beach break wall or take a dip at one of the many inviting beaches along the coast.

Have a cold brew right on the scenic Town Beach. (Image: Salty Crew Kiosk)

As you wander the city, keep an eye out for the interesting koala sculptures dotted around town. These appealing fibreglass statues have been hand painted by selected artists and are a hit with kids.

The best spot in town for seafood is Bills Fishhouse & Bar , with a carefully curated sea-to-plate selection featuring local oysters, prawns, whole fish, and seafood platters to share. With breezy interiors and a bustling bar bringing the vacation vibes, it’s a casual and contemporary restaurant you’ll want to seek out.

If you’ve got time for a detour, a winery might not be the most obvious stop on a road trip, but Cassegrain Wines has created a welcoming oasis along the M1 motorway.

Premium drops at Cassegrain Wines.

Kids and dogs can run freely on the grass, refuel with lunch at the on-site restaurant, take a winery tour and grab a bottle of vino to enjoy at your next destination.

Accommodation tip: Macquarie Waters Boutique Apartment Hotel – an apartment-style hotel in the centre of town within an easy walk to shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Linger in a little longer for pictureque views at Macquarie Waters Boutique Apartment Hotel.

If you’re lingering longer, check out these 14 places to eat and drink in Port Macquarie .

Port Macquarie to Newcastle: 3 hours drive

The secret’s out, the harbour city of Newcastle is enjoying an almighty revival and there’s no shortage of places to eat, drink, shop, and stay in the city.

Newcastle highlights

Arrive hungry in Newcastle and head straight to HuBro Cafe to discover the smoothest cold brew coffee you’ll ever find, or Wil & Sons is always buzzing, as its breakfast is one of the best.

Once you’ve satisfied your appetite, Newcastle is all about the beaches and a relaxed lifestyle, so take some time to chill out at Newcastle Beach, Bar Beach, or Merewether Beach for sun-soaked downtime.

Try the signature handcrafted brew at the Hubro Cafe.

If you’re an art lover, pop into one of the many independent galleries and keep an eye out for street art at every turn.

Or if history is more your pop quiz genre, explore the past of Newcastle, as well as the unique temporary exhibits at the Newcastle Museum .

Unveil the harbour city’s glorious past at the Newcastle Museum. (Image: Destination NSW)

For a hit of entertainment before you tackle the final hurdle, take in a show at the Civic Theatre, with everything from dance and music, to theatre and comedy.

Accommodation tip: The Lucky Hotel – a luxury stay without the price tag.

The Lucky Hotel is a perfect spot to chill and unwind.

Newcastle to Sydney: 2 hours drive

You’re almost there – one last push and you’ll arrive in Australia’s biggest city: Sydney! Organise your arrival time so that you don’t clash with rush hour as the traffic is often busy.

Sydney highlights

Our ultimate guide to Sydney will tell you everything you need to know but if we can drop you off with three recommendations on what to do when you get there outside of the usual contenders, they are:

• Go for a well-deserved drink at a historic pub in The Rocks.
• Enjoy your new freedom with a walk around Circular Quay and soak in the hive of activity surrounding you.
• Head to the top of the Sydney Tower Eye , the city’s tallest structure. It’s the ultimate 360° viewpoint to find your bearings, and if you arrive just before sunset, you get to view the world below you in both daylight and at night.

Be charmed by Sydney’s spectacular city skyline. (Image: Destination NSW)

Looking for more drive inspiration? Take a peek at our guide to Australia’s best road trips .

Sally Scott is a seasoned travel writer based on Bundjalung County (Northern Rivers) who knows a thing or two about luxe holidays. Whether it's road tripping regional Australia or jetting off on an overseas sojourn, Sally seeks out unique experiences to find the most fabulous places to eat, sip and stay to share with readers.

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• Short Cruises

5 Day Cruises

It's adventure time with Carnival!

SAILING FROM SYDNEY OR BRISBANE? CHOOSE FUN

When you choose Carnival Cruise Line, you’re choosing fun, and lots of it. So it shouldn’t be a surprise to learn our Australia short cruises from Brisbane and Sydney are often our best cruises.

Well, that’s what the passengers who go on them tell us.

With cruise itineraries that are jam packed, you’ll love the fun, and the adventure, onboard and on our shore excursions.

Or you can relax, take in the picture-postcard destinations, and rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit.

Our 5-day cruises allow you to do both, and visit destinations in Australia on your bucket list.

Perfect for foodies, families, or friends, they offer something for everyone.

View cruise deals below and savour a holiday that’s perfect for your budget.

VIEW ALL SHORT CRUISES

cruises packed with LOTS OF EXPERIENCES

Carnival Cruise Line understands your idea of fun is truly unique.

As such, it’s totally up to you whether you want to leave the cruise ship, drink wine, eat amazing food, or watch one of our fabulous entertainers.

If you have a picture in your mind of what the perfect cruise experience is like, we’re here to make your dreams come true.

Commonly Asked Questions

How much should you pack.

The answer to this question is easy - pack as much, or as little, as you want. It all depends on how much you want to do on your cruise holiday. If you’ve been on a Getaway or weekend cruise before, you’ll need to pack more, and less if you’re a longer-cruise regular. Remember, it’s also a 5-night cruise, so make sure you pack your dancing gear as well as your swimming gear. Oh, and if you want to explore everything our destinations have to offer, don’t forget your walking gear.

What activities are offered?

These great cruises are the perfect way to both recharge your batteries and enjoy everything a cruise ship has to offer. They’re ideal for a quick getaway or as a taste of what a longer cruise can offer. The first thing both long and shorter Carnival Cruise Line holidays offer is more than 45 activities onboard, including:

• Waterslides onboard Carnival Splendor
• Cloud 9 Spa
• Arts and crafts
• Kids entertainment
• Playlist Productions
• and even more!

You can view cruise activities here.

Is 5 days long enough for a cruise?

When you look at the fun-filled cruise itineraries, you’ll realise short break cruises like these ones are the perfect-sized getaway. With a few days both at sea and enjoying everything your destination has to offer, there’s plenty of time to take it all in. You can do whatever you like, including:

• Laze around the pool
• Exercise or play sport
• Watch movies
• Dance all night
• Tour hotspots
• Marvel at natural beauty
• Snorkel in crystal clear waters
• Watch sunsets from the beach

If you’re after a longer cruise, you’ll love our a href="/cruise-to/great-barrier-reef-cruises">Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, New Zealand, or South Pacific adventures.

What are the best 5 day destinations?

Carnival has some stunning destinations around Australia if a 4+ day cruise or 5-night cruise is your style. Between the afternoon departure and early morning arrival home, you can choose short cruise vacations from our Sydney and Brisbane departure ports to:

• Majestic Tasmania
• Picturesque Airlie Beach
• The white sands of Moreton Island
• The Melbourne Cup Carnival

Search below to view cruise information, departure dates, and check out any special offers.

How do 5 day cruises work?

The best short cruises work exactly the same as all our Australian cruises. You’ll enjoy a few days at sea aboard Carnival Splendor or Carnival Luminosa, and a few days at the destination. That means they’re perfect for everyone, including:

• Australia & New Zealand

2 days in Sydney or Brisbane areas?

By Madisonsmom , April 19, 2010 in Australia & New Zealand

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Madisonsmom

I'm not going on a cruise, but I'll be in the Brisbane and Sydney areas in late May '10 (for work) and have only 2 days to "play" - it's a weekend in between. Should I spend it in the Brisbane area (maybe hop up to the Great Barrier Reef area) or trip down to Sydney and check things out there? I'm likely to get 1 extra day in Sydney anyway, so I'm kind of leaning to trying to get up to the reef. I think I prefer to check out coastal areas (rather than interiors as I'm from Colorado so don't get to the ocean very often).

I'm just now trying to sort out the trip, so I'm kind of behind in putting it together -- any help is appreciated!

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have only 2 days to "play" - it's a weekend in between. Should I spend it in the Brisbane area (maybe hop up to the Great Barrier Reef area)

Even a kangaroo couldnt hop that far in 2 days - its 1000 miles from Brisbane to Cairns, 2 hours by plane without airport waiting time.

Best idea may be to hire a car and drive north or south along the coast. Either direction is vastly different from a cultural perspective, south to the Gold coast is very glitzy until you reach Tweed heads and then to Byron Bay which is more alternative. North will see you travelling along the Sunshine coast which is quite beautiful. If you leave early, hire a 4X4 and can make it to Frazer Island this trip will leave the GBR for dead, although I'm not sure 2 days will give it justice and its a 6 hour drive with ferry. A pleasant alternative may be to Noosa and there are lots of tours out from there.

Also have a look at the Gold Coast Hinterland. You could easily spend 2 days exploring the rain forests and all the beautiful waterfalls, secluded swimming spots etc.

Hi Madisonsmom,

The Great Barrier Reef is beautiful, and you could see a bit in 2 days (although you'd only just be skimming the surface!) As far as how much time you have there, it totally depends on how early you are willing to get up for a flight, or how late your willing to get to bed! If you don't already have your transportation arranged between cities, you could easily finish work in Brisbane (example) fly to Cairns, spend the 2 days there and fly direct back to Sydney (example) at the end of your "free time". Or you could fly round trip from Brisbane. Flights from Brisbane to Cairns are 2 - 2.5 hours. Flights between Cairns & Sydney take 3-3.5 direct or up to 7 hours via Brisbane. So, it is totally doable, especially if you are flying up from Brisbane. You can check out cheapest flights & timing options at either virgin blue com au or jetstar com au. If your looking to make the most of your days there, there are a large chocie of day trips from Cairns that will show you a fair amount of the area. check them out on standbycairns com au. Id personally recommend a Barrier Reef Day Tour, and a Daintree & Cape Tribulation tour, if you wanted to sample the area in only 2 days.

Alternatively, you could also spend 2 days in the Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast areas of QLD (both about an hours drive from brisbane.)

Sydney could easily take up your 2 days (as well as your extra one!). There are lots of things to see and do in Sydney, including the Blue Mountains (1.5 hours from Sydney), the city itself, harbour bridge climb if your game, Bondi beach etc. But, if it is beaches/coastal scenery you would prefer, Sydney is not the best place for this. I know that Bondi is a world famous beach, and sure, it's nice, and if your staying in Sydney, it is certainly a place to visit, but it's not our most beautiful beach by any means.

Hope this may be a tiny bit of help, shout out if you would like any help in putting together a sample itinerary to get you to Cairns/Barrier Reef for your couple of days. Id be happy to play around with researching it.

Anyways, whatever you get to do, Im sure you'll love your time here, and hopefully want to come back!

It is just a lot of flying to get to the GBR for a overnight. Great place, poor timing. Sunshine/Gold coast idea is best bet for beach. You could also trek out to O'Reilly's Rainforest and look at the birds. It is a fantastic spot albeit in the mountains.

Thanks for the information. I'll actually be in Sanctuary Cove for the beginning part of the week, then end up Fri. morning with a meeting in Brisbane. That's when I was thinking of catching a flight up to the GBR area or drive up to Sunshine Coast. Then fly to Sydney (actually Canberra) on Mon. pm for another meeting on Tues and return to Sydney after that for my return flight on Wed. I'll talk to my colleagues today and see what they have to say -- I'm sure I will enjoy whatever experience I'm able to put together. Thanks again for your input!

How are you planning to get from Canberra to Sydney? It's a 3 hour drive. Brisbane is nowhere near the GBR so you'll have to fly 2 hours to Cairns.

Remember that Australia is about the same size as the USA and distances between cities can be substantial. If you only have a couple of days available to explore then you'll get the most bang for your buck in Sydney.

Fraser Island could be a great option and include the North Coast on the way there.

For more info, maybe I can check some of the local tour operators for you.

How are you planning to get from Canberra to Sydney? It's a 3 hour drive.

Personally, if I were in Madisonsmom's shoes, I would get the hell out of Queensland on Friday, and basically aim to spend the rest of the stay in Sydney, treating the Tuesday morning meeting in Canberra as a little time out of Sydney. It might be different if Madisonsmom knows Sydney very well already, but this is what I'd advise for a newcomer to Sydney.

I mentioned the drive time because so many visitors to Oz aren't aware of the distances involved and the time constraints that places on getting from A to B, especially by road. I always fly from city to city as it's quicker and often much cheaper overall. Qantas wouldn't be at the top of my list of "bargains" but you never know as fares alter from day to day. I'm a Virgin Blue fan but will take JetStar at a push. Avoid Tiger Airlines at all costs. They might be the cheapest but they are also the most unreliable with frequently cancelled flights and terrible customer service. The latter surprises me as Tiger is owned by Singapore Airlines which is the best airline in the whole of Australiasia IMO.

Qantas wouldn't be at the top of my list of "bargains" but you never know as fares alter from day to day. I'm a Virgin Blue fan but will take JetStar at a push. Avoid Tiger Airlines at all costs.

If you book just before travel, then Virgin Blue can be significantly cheaper because they less often sell out their cheapest fares close to travel date.

But if you book a few weeks in advance, there is often very little in it. For example, in a month's time you can currently get Qantas for $69 each way on at least some flights pretty much every day. Virgin Blue's lowest fare is $49, but only on some of their already-fewer flights. Otherwise, you are looking at $69 or $79 at least. And one difference is that those fares on Virgin do not include checked baggage, which is $10 extra for one bag; but the Qantas fares already include 23 kg of checked baggage.

So, as always, it pays to look carefully. My usual Australian domestic routes are Sydney-Canberra and (to a lesser extent) Sydney-Melbourne. Because most of my trips are planned at least several weeks out, and often several months out, I seldom find any compelling reason to fly anyone else but Qantas, even before taking into account my frequent flyer perks.

Thanks for all the advise - but here's what I am going to do for my 2.5 days off...

Mon. Arrive in Australia & fly Sydney -> Brisbane (for work) do my work in Brisbane and Sanctuary Cove area, end back in Brisbane for meeting on Fri. morning.

Fri. pm Fly Bisbane -> Cairns, rent a car and travel onto Port Douglas to stay for the weekend. I'm checking into snorkeling companies and found "Wavelength" -- they specialize in snorkeling tourism and they sound like a good outfit. Anyone heard of them?? Or recommend anyone else?

Mon. pm Fly Cairns -> Brisbane then catch my flight from Brisbane -> Canberra (on company). Meeting in Canberra on Tues.

Wed am Fly Canberra -> Sydney to catch my return to US flight.

I know I'm missing out on Sydney altogether, but expect that if I go back at all, it will probably be for work and I'm more likely to have other opportunities to check out the city at that time. Otherwise, I'm just going to have to start planning that Australian cruise now!!

Thanks again for all input.

I know I'm missing out on Sydney altogether, but expect that if I go back at all, it will probably be for work and I'm more likely to have other opportunities to check out the city at that time.

If you have an evening plus another 24 hours in Canberra, you'll get to see all the main things there.

you dont have to fly all the way up to cairns you can fly to airlie beach or hamilton island (airlie beach is on the coast opposite to hamilton island) you can go on great barrier reef cruises from either location and it is only about an hour and a half or so flight time out of brisbane or coolangatta (gold coast airport) the whitsundays there are glorious and definately worth a look plus the reef is closer to shore there than off cairns.things in australia are not as close as they seem my advise is dont try and see too much.

Shhhhhhhh! The Whitsundays are Australia's best kept secret IMO. Nearest mainland airport, Proserpine or you can fly direct into Hamilton Island. I'd take Airlie Beach over Cairns any day.

Cruisin_on_th_net

LMAO :D I'm sitting here thinking "who are these mugs sayin you have to fly to Cairns to see the GBR?" I've dived off Cairns, Tvlle, Maggy, Whitsundays, and Orpheous (sp?) seriously, after Orpheous Whitsundays wins hands down. Hamilton / Airlie is far nicer than Cairns too!

BUT OP, you will love Cairns, have a great time, and enjoy yourself!

MMDown Under

Thanks for all the advise - but here's what I am going to do for my 2.5 days off...   Mon. Arrive in Australia & fly Sydney -> Brisbane (for work) do my work in Brisbane and Sanctuary Cove area, end back in Brisbane for meeting on Fri. morning.   Fri. pm Fly Bisbane -> Cairns, rent a car and travel onto Port Douglas to stay for the weekend. I'm checking into snorkeling companies and found "Wavelength" -- they specialize in snorkeling tourism and they sound like a good outfit. Anyone heard of them?? Or recommend anyone else?   Mon. pm Fly Cairns -> Brisbane then catch my flight from Brisbane -> Canberra (on company). Meeting in Canberra on Tues.   Wed am Fly Canberra -> Sydney to catch my return to US flight.   I know I'm missing out on Sydney altogether, but expect that if I go back at all, it will probably be for work and I'm more likely to have other opportunities to check out the city at that time. Otherwise, I'm just going to have to start planning that Australian cruise now!!   Thanks again for all input.

May will be perfect in Port Douglas for your weekend off to relax and enjoy the tropics - rainforest, beach and reef.

I met a happy rep from NY in Cape Tribulation (even further north), who had flown from Sydney for her precious one free long weekend off work.

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7 Carnival Cruise Ships to Avoid

Posted: June 9, 2024 | Last updated: June 9, 2024

Determining which cruise ship or cruise line is right for you can be a bit of a feat. There are countless options and hyper-specific reasons to opt for one ship over another. Plus, many cruise lines have reputations built up over the years, both positive and negative. When it comes to Carnival Cruises, which ships should you avoid according to actual customer reviews? What are some of the worst Carnival Cruise ships currently sailing today?

Utilizing CruiseCritic and additional passenger critiques, here are seven (in no particular order) Carnival cruise ships you may not want to consider for your upcoming travel plans.

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Carnival Luminosa

The Carnival Luminosa kicks off our list of the worst Carnival cruise ships. While a relatively new ship to Carnival after it acquired the ship from Costa Cruises (it debuted for Carnival in 2022), the Luminosa is making a disappointing splash so far. According to CruiseCritic, this particular Carnival ship has a decent editor review of 4 out of 5. However, customers give it a 2.5 on average.

Critique of Carnival Luminosa

There are many reasons why the Carnival Luminosa is disappointing its passengers. Not only does this particular ship cater to a young, potentially rowdy crowd, but it also feels cramped. The pools are reportedly small, the food is bland enough for passengers to avoid, and the entertainment is lackluster overall. Perhaps more positive reviews will surface in time!

Carnival Vista

While laid-back and full of entertaining amenities, the Carnival Vista maintains a blase 3.6 out of 5 on CruiseCritic , according to actual passenger reviews. Capable of accommodating nearly 3,000 passengers, the Vista is designed for thrill-seeking groups and those looking for extroverted, social opportunities.

Critique of Carnival Vista

Despite there being plenty to do, almost too much to do, the Vista disappoints passengers in terms of its layout and fine dining experiences. It's easy for this particular ship to feel overwhelming, with slow elevators and even slower disembarkment processes. Plus, this budget-friendly ship often ends up drowning in bored, mischievous, and drunk young people, depending on the time of year.

Carnival Venezia

Heavily influenced by Italian design and dining options, the Carnival Venezia is poorly rated by customers. Another carry over from Costa Cruises to Carnival in 2019, this ship is more unique in its offerings compared to other Carnival vessels. However, it still falls short in many categories, including its pool experiences and food quality.

Critique of Carnival Venezia

Ranked at 3 out of 5 stars on average, the Venezia disappoints passengers because of its layout and small, odorous rooms. Even the larger suites onboard the Venezia seem smaller than other cruise ships. Plus, regardless of how large the rooms are, no passenger enjoys smelling cigarette smoke for the duration of their trip!

Carnival Horizon

The Carnival Horizon debuted in 2018 and has a capacity for up to 4000 guests. With a bold design and contemporary color scheme, the Horizon looks tasteful and exciting. However, reviews are mixed when it comes to just how much excitement is onboard this particular Carnival vessel.

Critique of Carnival Horizon

CruiseCritic editors give the Horizon a 4 out of 5, though guests rate it at 3.5 on average. Both ratings mentioned the apparent lack of relaxing, quiet places to lounge during sea days, something that is quite common onboard Carnival cruises. A lack of an adults-only pool could have something to do with this– or perhaps it is the chaotic way that Carnival chooses to set up its numerous, often overwhelming, activities!

Carnival Splendor

Sailing out of Sydney and Singapore, the Splendor may not be a convenient vessel for you to board if you live in the U.S. Plus, some of the reviews of this particular Carnival ship may make you hesitate to book in the first place. Much like the other ships on this list, the Splendor receives an average of 3.7 out of 5 from passenger reviews . The main complaint? Both the editor of CruiseCritic and actual customers mention the age of the cabins onboard.

Critique of Carnival Splendor

The Splendor holds just over 3000 people and debuted in 2008. While not necessarily an old vessel, the Splendor is beginning feel tired, particularly in all of the sleeping cabins and suites. There is a dated edge to the decor throughout this vessel, something that doesn't pair well with rambunctious families and young people hoping to make the most of their all-inclusive drink packages.

Carnival Paradise

Departing from Tampa, Florida, the Carnival Paradise is one of the oldest vessels in the Carnival fleet. Launched in 1998, this ship has a more traditional design– something that definitely contributes to the negative reviews surrounding it. While refurbished in 2018, the Paradise maintains many of its original issues, including high congestion at peak times of day.

Critique of Carnival Paradise

Both actual customers and the editors of CruiseCritic give the Paradise a 3.5 out of 5, citing small deck areas and a lack of restaurants as the main reasons behind such criticism. Not only does the Paradise have fewer eating accommodations compared to the average cruise ship, but it also has a confusing interior design due to its somewhat recent refurbishment.

Carnival Sunrise

The Carnival Sunrise departs from Miami and is Bahamas-bound, which should give you some sense of the type of people that may choose to take this cruise. While it's packed with amenities and capable of transporting almost 3000 guests, the Sunrise earns a staggering 2.9 out of 5 from those who have chosen to come aboard. Why might this be?

Critique of Carnival Sunrise

Like most other Carnival ships, the Sunrise earns a bad reputation for being a vessel solely for partying and rowdy groups. The layout of the ship doesn't help with this, as the general flow of crowds often passes through entertainment areas such as the casino or poolside destinations. With simplistic cabins, the Sunrise feels as if there is nowhere peaceful to retreat to– something to keep in mind if relaxation is your top priority while on vacation!

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P&O Cruises to retire its brand in Australia, fold operations into Carnival Cruise Line

P&O Cruises Australia has announced its fleet will soon be sailing to its final berth, ceasing its operations in 2025 after more than 90 years on the water.

The Australian travel brand will fold its operations into parent company Carnival Cruise Line from March 2025.

P&O's Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure ships and workforce will be rebranded and transferred to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet, while the Pacific Explorer, previously known as the Dawn Princess, will be retired.

Passengers set to cruise in 2024 will not be affected, while customers who had cruises booked on the Pacific Explorer after March 2, 2025 will have the option of a refund or credit for Carnival with extra onboard spending money.

It is the end of an era for the popular brand, which first sailed from Sydney on December 23, 1932, on a seven-day itinerary calling at Brisbane and Norfolk Island.

The company's first permanent ship in Australia, the Fairstar — heavily promoted as "the fun ship" — was part of the fleet for nine years until 1997.

P&O Cruises Australia issued its surprise notice to customers on Tuesday.

"As a result, all itineraries on Pacific Explorer scheduled to sail after 2nd March 2025 are being cancelled," it said.

"If you are booked on one of these itineraries you will be contacted by guest services in the coming days with refund details.

"We are all immensely proud of P&O Cruises Australia's 90-year heritage of dedicated operations in the region, and Carnival Cruise Line are honoured to carry forward its storied legacy and continue to deliver the same onboard experiences and itineraries."

Crews on the Pacific Explorer were expected to be redeployed to other ships, but a small number of workers in the P&O Australia head office would lose their jobs, a spokeswoman said.

Acting P&O Cruises Australia and Carnival Australia lead Peter Little will be retained under the new title of country manager.

Carnival Cruise chief executive Josh Weinstein hailed P&O Cruises as a storied brand with an amazing team and lauded its accomplishments in Australia and the broader region.

"However, given the strategic reality of the South Pacific's small population and significantly higher operating and regulatory costs, we're adjusting our approach," he said.

The Carnival brand will see its fleet boosted by eight ships after also acquiring vessels from sister line Costa Cruises and ordering new ships to come into operation in 2027 and 2028.

Under the changes, Carnival will continue to be the largest cruise operator in the region with 19 ships, representing almost 60 per cent of the market.

The P&O ships will have technology upgrades, including an ordering app and loyalty program, but will retain the "familiar feel and much of the same experiences" for Australian guests, Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy said.

Who owns P&O Cruises?

P&O Cruises is owned by Carnival Corporation & plc. 

Carnival Corporation & plc owns a number of different brands including Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises.

What does P&O stand for?

The initials P and O stand for "Peninsular and Oriental", an abbreviation of The Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company.

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News Release

Carnival corporation to strategically align portfolio and absorb p&o cruises australia into carnival cruise line.

Carnival Cruise Line to boost its capacity by absorbing P&O Cruises Australia in 2025, further optimizing the company's brand portfolio creating operational efficiencies 

MIAMI and SYDNEY , June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Carnival Corporation & plc  (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world's largest cruise company, today announced that in March 2025 , the company will sunset the P&O Cruises Australia brand and fold the Australia operations into Carnival Cruise Line , the most popular cruise line in the world. 

This change is the latest in a series of strategic moves designed to increase guest capacity for Carnival Cruise Line , the company's flagship brand and the highest-returning brand in Carnival Corporation's global portfolio. This will result in the addition of eight new ships to Carnival Cruise Line's fleet since 2021, including the successful shift of three vessels from sister brand Costa Cruises . In addition, the company recently placed its first new ship order in half a decade for two new Excel-class cruise ships to join Carnival Cruise Line in 2027 and 2028.

Josh Weinstein , chief executive officer of Carnival Corporation & plc. "In 2019, Carnival Cruise Line was 29% of our total capacity, and when we complete this move early next year, Carnival Cruise Line – our highest-returning brand – will make up approximately 35% of our total global capacity. While our company's overall growth between 2019 – 2028 is projected to be less than 2% (CAGR), the majority will be for Carnival Cruise Line , which will grow by approximately 50% over that time period."

In addition to further optimizing the composition of Carnival Corporation's global brand portfolio, the realignment will strengthen the company's performance in the South Pacific through numerous operational efficiencies.

"P&O Cruises Australia is a storied brand with an amazing team, and we are extremely proud of everything we have accomplished together in Australia and the broader region," said Weinstein. "However, given the strategic reality of the South Pacific 's small population and significantly higher operating and regulatory costs, we're adjusting our approach to give us the efficiencies we need to continue delivering an incredible cruise experience year-round to our guests in the region. Carnival Corporation & plc remains committed to Australia and we will continue to be the largest cruise operator in the region with 19 ships calling on 78 destinations and representing almost 60% of the market."

Building on Shared Legacy in the Region  As the P&O Cruises Australia brand retires early next year, the Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure ships will be rebranded and operated by Carnival Cruise Line brand. Pacific Explorer will exit the fleet in February of 2025. Current itineraries will operate business as usual, and guests will be notified in the coming days of any changes to future bookings as a result of this announcement.

When the transition is complete next year, Carnival Cruise Line – which has served the South Pacific since 2013 – will have four ships in the market, including Sydney -based Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa sailing seasonally from Brisbane , in addition to their new sister ships Encounter and Adventure.

Christine Duffy , president of Carnival Cruise Line . "While we plan to make some technology upgrades and other small changes to the two P&O Cruises Australia ships, they will continue to be geared to the unique Australian market with a familiar feel and much of the same experiences for P&O Cruises Australia guests. The most notable change will be the availability of our popular HubApp, enabling guests to make online dining and excursion reservations, request food and beverage delivery, and chat with other guests, among other features. P&O Cruises Australia guests will also be invited to participate in Carnival's loyalty program and promotional offerings specific to Carnival ships sailing in the region."

"Over the coming months, we will find ways to celebrate and honor P&O Cruises Australia – a valued part of our legacy and an important contributor to the tourism industry in the South Pacific ," said Weinstein. "We value the connection our P&O Cruises Australia guests, employees, travel advisor partners, public officials and destinations have with our company and are committed to building on this association moving forward as Carnival." 

[EDITOR'S NOTE: This announcement does not impact P&O Cruises ( UK ), which is a separate Carnival Corporation & plc brand based in England and dedicated to the UK market.]

About Carnival Corporation & plc Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest global cruise company, and among the largest leisure travel companies, with a portfolio of world-class cruise lines – AIDA Cruises , Carnival Cruise Line , Costa Cruises , Cunard, Holland America Line , P&O Cruises ( Australia ), P&O Cruises ( UK ), Princess Cruises , and Seabourn.

Additional information can be found on www.carnivalcorp.com , www.aida.de , www.carnival.com , www.costacruise.com , www.cunard.com , www.hollandamerica.com , www.pocruises.com.au , www.pocruises.com , www.princess.com , and  www.seabourn.com .

For information on Carnival Corporation's industry-leading sustainability initiatives, visit www.carnivalsustainability.com .

SOURCE Carnival Corporation & plc

Carnival Corporation Media Contacts: Jody Venturoni, Carnival Corporation, [email protected]; Lucy Colonnetta Clifton, LDWW, [email protected]

AIDA Cruises is the market leader in the German-speaking cruise market. Home of the smile, AIDA Cruises is the epitome of a premium-quality, relaxing cruise and operates one of the world’s most state-of-the-art fleets. Visit: www.aida.de

Carnival Cruise Line, also known as America’s Cruise Line, is a leader in contemporary cruising and operates a fleet of ships designed to provide fun and memorable vacation experiences at a great value. Visit: www.carnival.com

Costa Cruises delivers Italy’s finest at sea, bringing modern Italian lifestyle to its ships to provide guests with a true European experience that embodies a unique passion for life through warm hospitality, entertainment and gastronomy. Visit: www.costacruise.com

Cunard is the epitome of British refinement for travelers who relish the line’s impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining, world-class entertainment, and the legacy of historic voyages and transatlantic travel. Visit: www.cunard.com

Holland America Line's premium fleet of spacious, elegant mid-sized ships feature sophisticated five-star dining, extensive entertainment and activities, innovative culinary enrichment programs and compelling worldwide itineraries. Visit: www.hollandamerica.com

P&O Cruises (UK) is Britain’s favorite cruise line with a fleet of ships combining genuine service and a sense of occasion and attention to detail, ensuring passengers have the holiday of a lifetime, every time. Visit: www.pocruises.co.uk

P&O Cruises (Australia) provides a quintessential holiday experience for Australians and New Zealanders, taking them to some of the world's most idyllic and hard-to-reach places across Asia and the South Pacific. Visit: www.pocruises.co.au

Princess is the world’s leading international cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of modern cruise ships, renowned for the innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities. Visit: www.princess.com

Seabourn provides ultraluxury cruising vacations in a unique, small-ship style that focuses on genuine, intuitive service, all-suite accommodations, superb cuisine and unique experiences in destinations worldwide. Visit: www.seabourn.com