Despite Criticism, Seventy Per Cent of Aussies Enjoy Carnival’s New Ships as Cruise Line Works to Improve Experience

Since the absorption of P&O Australia into Carnival Cruise Line’s operations, Carnival’s newly rebranded ships—Carnival Encounter and Carnival Adventure—have attracted mixed reactions.

While industry reviewers and vocal cruisers have issued some sharp critiques about service standards and onboard amenities, a recent investigation by Cruise Passenger reveals a more nuanced picture.

A majority of passengers who have sailed on these vessels express satisfaction with their cruise experience, suggesting that the negative reviews may not fully capture the general sentiment among Australian cruisers.

Survey Reveals 70% Positive Cruiser Feedback

Cruise Passenger conducted a survey on a popular message board frequented by Carnival cruisers, aiming to gather direct feedback from those who have experienced the new ships since the transition. The results show that 70% of respondents described their cruise as a “good experience,” while another 21% rated their trip as “okay.” Only 9% reported a negative experience.

This data indicates that despite the vocal minority of critics, most passengers sailing Carnival Encounter and Carnival Adventure are enjoying their time at sea. Even more encouraging for Carnival, 97% of surveyed cruisers who have not yet sailed on these ships plan to do so in the future.

Carnival’s Transition: Balancing Legacy and Change

Carnival’s decision to integrate P&O Australia into its fleet was an ambitious move aligned with its global expansion strategy. The Australian cruise industry, regulated under government bodies such as the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and supported by Tourism Australia’s cruise market development initiatives, is a vital segment for Carnival.

A Carnival Cruise Line spokesperson acknowledged the challenges inherent in this transition, stating, “The feedback from our guests and crew helps us in our efforts to continuously improve and provide memorable holidays. As the only cruise line to operate year-round in Australia, we know there are high expectations from our guests, and we intend to meet them. Combining operations is an ambitious undertaking and our team has worked tirelessly to achieve many of our goals, and we still have more to accomplish.”

Common Criticisms and Carnival’s Planned Improvements

One major criticism relates to the absence of some signature Carnival perks on these ships, such as complimentary pizza and soft-serve ice cream, staples that regular Carnival cruisers have come to expect. These omissions have been attributed to the ongoing transition period as the ships retain some of the P&O “flavour.”

Carnival plans to address these concerns during scheduled dry dock periods in Singapore, where both ships will undergo refurbishments—one at the end of the current cruise season and the other following the next season. These overhauls are anticipated to enhance onboard amenities and better align the ships with Carnival’s brand standards.

Challenges in Itinerary and Port Offerings

Another significant change post-transition is the reduction in itinerary variety. Historically, P&O Australia offered cruises departing from multiple ports around Australia and New Zealand, providing diverse destination options. Today, Carnival’s ships primarily sail out of Brisbane and Sydney, focusing on shorter cruises to New Zealand, Vanuatu, and Queensland.

This concentration limits variety and could impact repeat cruisers’ enthusiasm. As Royal Caribbean Australia moves into a higher price tier, Carnival currently dominates the budget cruise market. However, to maintain this position and appeal to a broader demographic, Carnival may need to diversify its itineraries and reintroduce unique themed cruises—such as P&O’s popular 80s and Elvis-themed voyages.

Cruiser Perspectives: Enjoying the Journey Despite “Teething” Issues

Many cruisers acknowledge the transition challenges but emphasize their overall enjoyment. One passenger commented, “People need to understand that a massive change like this won’t be complete overnight. We did nine nights on Adventure last week and while not everything was perfect, we still had a great time. Still plenty of great food and fun to be had and wonderful shows to watch.”

Others preferred the new ships to their prior P&O experiences: “I’ve been on ten P&O cruises and last Saturday got off the Carnival Adventure 12-night cruise. I found it better than P&O. I found the food in the pantry a lot better on the Carnival Adventure. A cruise is what you make it.”

Such testimonials reflect the importance of cruiser mindset and expectations, showing that for many, the social and entertainment aspects of cruising outweigh service shortcomings.

Vocal Critics Highlight Service and Quality Issues

Of course, not all feedback is positive. Some cruisers have expressed dissatisfaction with perceived declines in food quality, staff morale, and amenities. For example, one cruiser remarked on the Carnival Encounter: “It was so downgraded. Not enough staff. The staff was not happy. The sweets are self-service… only two towel animals.”

Others lamented a drop in gluten-free options and a sense of being treated as a first-time cruiser despite loyalty to the former P&O brand: “Standards of food, particularly at lunch for people like me who are gluten free, were non-existent, and there were no choices, even in The Waterfront.”

Government Role and Industry Standards

Australia’s cruise sector operates within strict government frameworks ensuring safety, environmental protection, and consumer rights. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) oversees vessel certification and crew standards, while Tourism Australia promotes cruise tourism as a growing segment contributing billions to the economy annually.

Government agencies also emphasize sustainable tourism development, a factor Carnival must consider as it refurbishes ships and crafts itineraries to meet national goals for environmental responsibility and community impact.

Outlook: Carnival’s Path Forward

Despite the early critiques, Carnival’s survey data suggests the new ships are well-positioned to appeal to Australia’s cruise market. With nearly all surveyed cruisers willing to sail again, Carnival’s gamble on absorbing P&O Australia appears to be paying off.

Looking ahead, Carnival faces the challenge of maintaining quality service and expanding amenities to meet evolving guest expectations. Enhancing itinerary variety and themed experiences may help sustain repeat business, especially as competition with other cruise lines intensifies.

With government tourism bodies backing industry growth, and AMSA ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards, Carnival is operating in a robust regulatory environment that supports continuous improvement.

Conclusion

Carnival Cruise Line’s integration of P&O Australia into its fleet has sparked mixed reviews but predominantly positive passenger feedback. While critics raise valid concerns about service and amenities, the majority of cruisers report satisfaction and enthusiasm for future voyages.

As Carnival continues to refine its offerings, invests in ship refurbishments, and adapts to market demands, it will be critical to balance cost, quality, and guest experience in Australia’s competitive cruise landscape.

This ongoing evolution reflects a broader trend in the global cruise industry, where customer feedback, regulatory standards, and strategic innovation converge to shape the future of cruising.

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