Your Guide to the New Wave of Aussie Cruising: From P&O with Love, Now with Carnival Fun

While the name on the funnel has changed, the heart of what made these ships great for a relaxing Aussie holiday is still beating strong. Here’s why you’ll feel right at home, with a few new perks to enjoy.

• Familiar Layouts, New Sparkle: You’re sailing on the same ships you might have known as Pacific Adventure and Encounter. They’ve been given a spruce-up with new carpets and technology, but the decks, pools, and restaurants are largely where you remember them, making it easy to find your way around.⁴
• Aussie-Centric Itineraries: The focus remains firmly on our corner of the world. You’ll find plenty of cruises to the sun-drenched islands of the South Pacific, the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, and our own beautiful coastline, all departing conveniently from Sydney and Brisbane.⁸
• The Best of P&O’s Flavours: Carnival has smartly kept some of the most popular P&O dining spots that Aussies loved. You can still enjoy a wonderful meal at The Waterfront restaurant or treat yourself at Luke Mangan’s speciality venues.³
• No Tipping Pressure: Just like on P&O, tipping isn’t part of the culture on these local sailings. It’s a wonderfully Aussie approach that continues, so you don’t have to worry about automatic daily charges on your account.¹⁷
• Adults-Only Sanctuaries: The blissfully quiet, kid-free zones are still there and better than ever. Carnival’s complimentary Serenity™ Adult-Only Retreat is the perfect place to read a book, have a quiet chat, or simply watch the waves go by, just like the Oasis was.²⁵
• Pay in Aussie Dollars: No need to pull out the calculator to figure out exchange rates. Everything you buy onboard—from a coffee to a shore excursion—is priced in good old Australian Dollars, making budgeting a breeze.¹⁹

Did You Know?
P&O has an incredible 92-year history in Australia, starting with the first-ever leisure cruise from Sydney on the Strathaird way back in 1932. The seven-day trip to Brisbane and Norfolk Island was so popular it sold out in a single day, kicking off Australia’s enduring love affair with cruising! ¹

Securing a great holiday starts with smart planning. Here’s how to get the best value on your next cruise adventure.

Best Times to Book

The cruise industry has its own sales calendar, and knowing when to book can save you a bundle.

• Wave Season (January – March): This is the biggest sale period of the year. Look for fantastic deals like bonus onboard credit, reduced deposits, and cabin upgrades. It’s the perfect time to lock in a cruise for later in the year.
• Advance Booking: If you’re able to plan 12 to 18 months ahead, you’ll often be rewarded with the best early-bird pricing and, crucially, the widest choice of cabins. This is especially important if you need an accessible cabin or have a specific location on the ship in mind.
• Last-Minute Deals: For those who can pack a bag at a moment’s notice, last-minute offers can pop up. However, this can be a risky strategy for seniors, as the choice of cabins will be very limited, and accessible rooms will almost certainly be gone.
• Shoulder Seasons: To enjoy great weather without the peak school holiday crowds, consider the ‘shoulder’ months. For popular routes like the South Pacific, booking in October, November, February, or March often means lower prices and a more relaxed atmosphere onboard.

Getting the Best Value

While the price tag on these cruises might be a bit higher than you remember from the P&O days, there are still plenty of ways to ensure you’re getting top value for your dollar.13

• Package Inclusions: Your standard Carnival fare is quite inclusive, covering your accommodation, main meals in the dining room and buffet, and a wide range of entertainment. Unlike some international lines, drinks and Wi-Fi are not typically included, so keep an eye out for special promotions that might bundle these in.
• Travel Agent vs. Direct Booking: There are good arguments for both. Booking directly with Carnival is straightforward. However, a good travel agent who specialises in cruising can be a senior’s best friend. They can help navigate accessibility requirements, find the best cabin for your needs, handle all the paperwork, and often have access to group deals or special perks you wouldn’t find on your own.

Travel Tip: Choosing Your Cabin Wisely

For the smoothest ride with the least motion, book a cabin in the middle of the ship and on a lower deck. If mobility is a concern, pull up the ship’s deck plan online and find a room close to the lifts to minimise long walks down the corridor. A balcony cabin offers a private slice of fresh air, and for scenic sail-ins to places like Sydney Harbour, a room on the port (left) side often gets the best view!

Pre & Post Cruise Options

• Fly-Cruise Deals: If you’re sailing from a city that isn’t your home, look for fly-cruise packages. These bundle your flights and cruise fare together, often saving you money and simplifying the booking process.
• Hotel Packages: To ensure a relaxed, stress-free start to your holiday, consider booking a pre-cruise hotel package. Many agents and Carnival itself offer deals that include a night’s accommodation and transfers to the port, so you can arrive refreshed and ready to sail.

Whether you’re after a casual bite or a celebratory feast, you’ll be well catered for.

Main Dining Options

• Main Dining Room (The Waterfront): The classic P&O main dining room experience lives on in The Waterfront.3 It offers a three-course menu that changes daily. You can choose traditional assigned seating, either
  Early (around 5:30 pm) or Late (around 7:45 pm), where you have the same table and waiters each night. Alternatively, opt for Your Time Dining (available from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm) for the flexibility to dine whenever you like.⁴¹
• Buffet (The Pantry): The Pantry, P&O’s innovative marketplace-style buffet, has also been retained. Instead of one long servery, it features different food stations (e.g., roasts, salads, Asian stir-fries), which helps reduce queues and offers great variety. It’s a relaxed, casual option for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.³
• Speciality Restaurants: For a small cover charge, you can elevate your dining experience.
• Retained P&O Favourites: You’ll be pleased to find that Luke Mangan’s elegant steakhouse, Luke’s Bar & Grill, is still onboard, as are the popular pan-Asian restaurant Dragon Lady and the Italian trattoria Angelo’s.³
• Costs: Expect to pay a cover charge of around $24 AUD per person for Angelo’s or Dragon Lady. Premium venues like Luke’s are priced higher, often around $52 AUD per person or more. Bookings are essential and can be made via the HubApp once onboard.³⁶

Dietary & Health Accommodations

• Special Diets: Carnival’s kitchens are well-versed in catering for a range of dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, low-sodium, and diabetic.⁴³ The best approach is to notify the cruise line when you book and then have a chat with the head waiter in the main dining room on your first evening to confirm your requirements for the week. Kosher meals are also available but must be requested at least three weeks before you sail.¹⁶
• Room Service: Room service is available 24 hours a day. While a continental breakfast is complimentary, be aware that many other items on the room service menu now incur a small à la carte charge.
• Tea/Coffee: Complimentary tea, filter coffee, and water are readily available in The Pantry buffet. However, barista-made espresso coffees, like those from the Avalon Café, will cost extra.⁴⁵

Senior Saver: Drink Packages

Carnival offers several drink packages. The main alcoholic package, ‘CHEERS!’, is quite expensive and you would need to consume at least 5-6 alcoholic drinks per day to make it worthwhile.⁴⁷ For many seniors, better value can be found in the non-alcoholic options. The ‘Bottomless Bubbles’ package offers unlimited soft drinks and juices for a reasonable daily rate.⁴⁶ A great new option is the ‘Cheers! Zero Proof’ package (approx. $40 AUD per day), which includes mocktails, specialty coffees and teas, juices, and milkshakes, offering a wide variety without the alcohol.⁴⁸

Staying in touch with loved ones back home or sharing your holiday snaps is possible, but it comes at a price.

• Wi-Fi Packages: Internet at sea is delivered via satellite and is slower and more expensive than at home. Carnival offers three main tiered plans, which you can purchase for a single day or the whole cruise (the latter is better value) ⁵¹:
  • Social Plan (approx. $19 AUD/day): Gives you access to popular social media sites and messaging apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. You can post text and photos, but video is not supported.
  • Value Plan (approx. $22 AUD/day): Includes everything in the Social Plan, plus access to the broader internet for browsing news sites, checking email, and looking up sports scores.
  • Premium Plan (approx. $26 AUD/day): Offers the fastest available speeds, which should support video calls on services like Skype or FaceTime, and some music/video streaming.
• The Carnival HubApp: This is a fantastic and highly recommended tool. Download the app to your smartphone or tablet before you leave home. Once you’re on the ship, you can connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi for free to use the app’s features (you don’t need to buy an internet package). You can view the full daily activity schedule, check restaurant menus, book shore excursions, keep track of your onboard spending, and even order food for delivery to your deck chair! There is a small, one-off voyage fee (around $8 AUD) to activate the chat feature, which lets you message family and friends who are also on the ship.⁵⁴
• Tech Help Desks: For any issues with connecting to the Wi-Fi or using the HubApp, the Guest Services desk is your first port of call for assistance.
• Calling Home: Making phone calls using the ship’s satellite service is extremely expensive. The most cost-effective way to call home is to wait until you are in port and use a local Wi-Fi hotspot or check your mobile phone provider’s international roaming rates.

Your wellbeing at sea is taken very seriously, with comprehensive systems in place.

• Medical Facility Standards: The onboard medical centre is staffed by a qualified doctor and nurses and is equipped to handle most common medical issues and emergencies, much like a GP clinic on land. It is not a full-service hospital, and in serious cases, patients will be stabilised before being transferred to a shore-side facility.³³
• Prescription Medication Policies: You must bring a sufficient supply of all your prescription medications to last the entire duration of your cruise, plus a little extra in case of delays. All medications should be kept in their original, clearly labelled packaging and must be carried in your hand luggage, not your checked bags.³⁴
• Mobility Equipment Onboard: The ship has a small number of wheelchairs onboard for emergency use or for assistance during embarkation and disembarkation only. They are not available for general loan during the cruise. If you require a wheelchair or scooter for daily use, you must bring your own or arrange to hire one from a third-party provider like Scootaround.²¹
• Emergency Evacuation & Insurance: All guests must participate in a mandatory safety drill (muster drill) before the ship sails. The crew are highly trained in emergency procedures.³³ In the rare event of a medical evacuation, the costs can be astronomical. For this reason, it is a condition of travel with most cruise lines that you have comprehensive travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation from a ship at sea.
• Seasickness Management: If you are prone to motion sickness, booking a cabin in the middle of the ship on a lower deck will minimise the sensation of movement. Over-the-counter remedies like Kwells or ginger tablets are effective for many and can be purchased from the onboard shop or medical centre.
• COVID & Health Protocols: For cruises departing from Australia, government-mandated COVID-19 vaccination and pre-cruise testing requirements have been lifted.⁵⁸ However, the cruise line maintains high standards of hygiene and sanitation. It is always wise to check the “Have Fun. Be Safe.” section of the Carnival Australia website for the most current health protocols before you travel, as these can change.⁵⁹

From dazzling shows to quiet contemplation, there’s a world of things to do onboard.

• Typical Daily Programs: The daily schedule is a whirlwind of activity. You can expect multiple trivia sessions, dance classes (like line dancing or salsa), karaoke contests, deck games like bean bag toss, and live music by the pool or in the atrium.²⁸
• Guest Speakers & Enrichment: On standard short cruises, enrichment is light. However, on longer voyages of 9 nights or more, branded as ‘Carnival Journeys’, the offering is much more substantial. You can attend fascinating lectures on topics like the history of the region you’re sailing through, celestial navigation, or digital photography, providing a wonderful opportunity for lifelong learning.³⁹
• Library & Quiet Spaces: Yes, both ships have a dedicated library, a peaceful haven for those who want to escape with a good book. Beyond the library, the Serenity™ Adult-Only Retreat is the best place on the ship to find peace and quiet during the day.
• Bridge, Trivia, and More: Trivia is a cornerstone of the daily activities and a fantastic way to meet people. While organised Bridge or card games are less common, the library or other quiet lounges are perfect spots to gather with friends for your own game.
• Production Show Accessibility: The main theatre, where the big production shows are held, has designated seating areas for guests using wheelchairs, with space for a companion to sit alongside. Hearing loops or infrared systems are often available for those with hearing impairments; just ask at the Guest Services desk.

Cruising is a wonderfully social holiday, and it’s easy to meet like-minded people.

• Solo Traveller Meet-ups: While Carnival’s pricing isn’t the most welcoming for solos, the onboard experience is. On the first or second day of the cruise, there is usually a hosted ‘Singles and Solos’ get-together listed in the daily program. It’s a low-pressure way to meet other people travelling on their own.⁶¹
• Hosted Tables for Dining: If you select ‘Your Time Dining’ in the main dining room, you can request to be seated at a large table with other guests. This is one of the best ways to make new friends, sharing stories and laughter over dinner each evening.⁶¹
• Dress Codes Explained: The dress code is relaxed and designed for holiday comfort.
  • Cruise Casual: This is the dress code for most evenings. For gentlemen, this means long trousers or smart jeans and a collared shirt. For ladies, a summer dress, a skirt or trousers with a nice top is perfect. T-shirts and shorts are not permitted in the main dining room in the evening.¹⁶
  • Cruise Elegant: On cruises of 6 nights or longer, there will be one or two ‘Elegant’ nights. This is your chance to get dressed up if you wish! For men, dress trousers and a button-down shirt are expected, with a sports coat or suit being optional. For women, a cocktail dress, pantsuit, or elegant separates are appropriate. It’s a fun occasion, but not strictly enforced if you prefer to stay smart casual.¹⁶
• Making Friends for Shy Travellers: Joining a team for a trivia quiz is a brilliant ice-breaker. The shared goal (and laughter) makes starting conversations easy. Attending a dance class or a cooking demonstration are also great ways to connect with people who share your interests.

You Should Know: Unwritten Social Etiquette

It’s customary to say a friendly “g’day” or “hello” when passing fellow guests or crew in the corridors and lifts—it adds to the lovely shipboard atmosphere. A major point of etiquette is on the pool deck: please don’t be a ‘chair hog’! Leaving a book or towel on a sun lounger to reserve it for hours while you’re elsewhere is frowned upon. If a chair has been unattended for more than 30-40 minutes, it’s generally acceptable to ask a deck attendant to clear it for you.

A cruise fare is wonderfully inclusive, but it’s important to budget for the extras to avoid a surprise at the end of your trip.

• What’s Truly Included: Your cruise fare covers your cabin accommodation, service from your stateroom attendant, most meals (in the main dining room, the buffet, and some casual spots like the pizzeria), and a wide array of entertainment, including production shows, live music, and comedy clubs.
• Typical Extra Charges: Be prepared to pay extra for:
  • All drinks, including soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees, and alcohol.
  • Meals in speciality restaurants.
  • Organised shore excursions.
  • Wi-Fi packages.
  • Spa and salon treatments.
  • Activities like bingo and casino play.
  • Professional photos taken by the ship’s photographers.⁶³
• Typical Onboard Spending: It’s very easy to spend $50-$100 AUD per person, per day on these extras, especially if you enjoy a couple of cocktails, a barista coffee, and perhaps one paid activity. It’s wise to set a daily budget to keep track.
• Currency & Payment Methods: The onboard currency is the Australian Dollar.¹⁹ The entire ship operates on a cashless system. All purchases are charged to your onboard account via your cruise card (your room key). You will register a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) against this account at check-in, and the final bill will be settled automatically at the end of the cruise.
• Final Account Settlement: You can track your spending throughout the cruise on the HubApp or your in-cabin TV. A preliminary bill will be delivered to your cabin on the last night. If you have any queries, you can visit the Guest Services desk to resolve them before you disembark.
• Tipping Beyond Auto-Gratuities: As a reminder, automatic tipping is not a feature of these Australian-based cruises.18 If a particular crew member—like your stateroom attendant or a favourite bartender—has provided truly exceptional service, it is perfectly acceptable and very much appreciated to give them a cash tip directly at the end of your cruise.

This is one of the most significant changes for past P&O cruisers. Previously, your P&O Australia cruises earned you points in the Princess Cruises Captain’s Circle loyalty program.⁶⁴ Unfortunately, that link has now ended, and any status you held with Princess will not transfer to Carnival. You will be starting fresh in Carnival’s own loyalty program, the VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Club.⁵⁴

• Program Tiers & Earning Structure: The VIFP Club is very straightforward. You earn one VIFP Point for every single day you sail with Carnival. The more you cruise, the higher you climb.⁶⁶
• Senior-Relevant Perks by Level:
  • Blue (0 points): Your status on your very first Carnival cruise.
  • Red (2nd cruise – 24 points): You’ll receive a complimentary 1.5-litre bottle of water in your cabin.
  • Gold (25-74 points): You get the water plus a complimentary alcoholic drink on cruises of 5 days or longer, and a collectible Gold VIFP pin on every sailing.⁶⁷
  • Platinum (75-199 points): This is where the benefits become really valuable for senior travellers. You receive priority check-in and boarding, priority luggage delivery, a dedicated VIFP party with free drinks, a logo gift, and—most usefully—complimentary wash-and-fold laundry service (2 bags on shorter cruises, 3 bags on 7-13 day cruises).⁶⁶
  • Diamond (200+ points): You get all the Platinum perks plus unlimited complimentary laundry, priority reservations for dining, and a special event invitation from the Captain.⁶⁶
• Status Match Opportunities: Currently, Carnival does not offer a status match from other cruise line loyalty programs. Everyone starts from the beginning.
• Best Ways to Maximise Benefits: Because the program is based on the number of days you sail, taking one or two longer cruises (like a 12-night New Zealand trip) is a much faster way to reach the valuable Platinum tier than doing several short 3-night getaway cruises.

These ships focus on our beautiful backyard, offering a fantastic range of sun-filled itineraries.

• Itinerary 1: The Classic South Pacific Hopper
  • Duration: 8-10 nights from Sydney or Brisbane.
  • Key Ports: Noumea (New Caledonia), Lifou (Loyalty Islands), Port Vila (Vanuatu).
  • Why it suits mature travellers: This is the quintessential relaxing cruise holiday. It offers a perfect blend of peaceful sea days to enjoy the ship’s facilities and port days filled with gentle cultural experiences, beautiful beaches, and colourful markets. It’s an easy, sun-drenched escape.
  • Price Indicator: $$.

• Itinerary 2: The Aussie Coastal Explorer
  • Duration: 7-9 nights from Sydney.
  • Key Ports: Eden (NSW), Hobart (Tasmania), Port Arthur (Tasmania), Kangaroo Island (SA).
  • Why it suits mature travellers: This is a wonderful option for those who want a fascinating holiday without needing a passport or foreign currency. You’ll explore some of Australia’s most historic and scenic coastal towns, often with calmer seas than a trans-Tasman or Pacific crossing.
  • Price Indicator: $$.

• Itinerary 3: The New Zealand Discovery
  • Duration: 10-12 nights from Sydney.
  • Key Ports: Fiordland National Park (scenic cruising), Dunedin, Christchurch (Lyttelton), Wellington, Tauranga.
  • Why it suits mature travellers: Perfect for the more adventurous senior who loves breathtaking scenery. The highlight is the majestic cruising through Milford Sound. This longer voyage provides more sea days, allowing for a more relaxed pace and more opportunities to enjoy the onboard enrichment and entertainment.
  • Price Indicator: $$$.

So, what’s the final word? With the P&O flag lowered and the Carnival funnel now in place, is this still the right cruise for Australian seniors?

• Best Suited For:
  • Loyal P&O cruisers who loved the ships and the close-to-home itineraries, and are open to trying a more vibrant, American-style entertainment offering.
  • Value-conscious seniors who appreciate a resort-style holiday where your accommodation, transport, and meals are all taken care of, without the hassle of airports and constant packing and unpacking.
  • Multi-generational families. The blend of kids’ clubs, adventure activities, and adult-only retreats makes this an ideal choice for a holiday that keeps the grandkids and grandparents equally happy.

• May Not Suit:
  • Seniors who are seeking a quiet, intimate, or luxurious small-ship experience. These are large, lively, and family-focused ships with over 2,500 other guests.
  • Budget-conscious solo travellers. The lack of single cabins and the high single supplement make this a financially challenging option for those travelling alone.
  • Travellers who prefer traditional, formal cruising with a heavy emphasis on enrichment over entertainment. While longer journeys offer lectures, the primary focus here is squarely on fun.

• Overall Value Rating & Recommendation:
  This new hybrid offering from Carnival represents a fantastic evolution for Australian cruising. While you may pay a little more than in the P&O days, the investment delivers a more polished, diverse, and high-quality entertainment and activities product. The savvy decision to retain key P&O dining favourites and the all-important Aussie-friendly onboard policies (no compulsory tipping, AUD currency) makes this a comfortable and familiar choice. For couples, groups of friends, and families, it represents outstanding value.

We highly recommend it for any senior traveller looking for a fun, easy, and sun-filled escape from our own shores. As Carnival’s motto says, it’s time to “Choose Fun.” Go on, you’ve earned it! 🚢