The P&O Cruises Australia brand is sailing off into the sunset,
its operations integrated into sister line, Carnival Cruise Line, from
March 2025.
The beloved brand is being ditched after 90 years of cruising from Australia. Pacific Explorer will be retired in February and Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure will operate as Carnival Cruise Line.
As a result, Carnival said in a statement, “all itineraries on
Pacific Explorer scheduled to sail after March 2025 are being
cancelled”.
Those booked on these itineraries will be refunded. “We apologise that this change has been necessary,” the cruise line said.
“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,” said Carnival Cruise Line chief executive Josh
Weinstein.
Carnival Corporation said it remains committed to Australia and 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.
“Over the coming months, we will find ways to celebrate and honour
P&O Cruises Australia – a valued part of our legacy and an important
contributor to the tourism industry in the South Pacific,” Weinstein
added.