P&O Cruises Australia Drops Anchor After 90 Years

P&O Cruises Australia drops anchor after 90 years.

To the shock of many dedicated cruisers, the P&O Cruises Australia brand will set sail for the last time in March 2025.

Aerial of P&O Cruises Australia Pacific Explorer ship — P&O Cruises Australia drops anchor after 90 years.

P&O Cruises’ shock exit from Australia

Australia’s most historic cruising brand reached the end of the line when parent company Carnival Corporation announced on Tuesday P&O Cruises Australia will be folded into Carnival Cruise Line’s operations from March 2025.

Two of P&O Cruises Australia’s existing cruise ships (Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure) will be transferred into the Carnival fleet, while Pacific Explorer will exit the fleet.

P&O Cruises Australia Pacific Adventure ship — *Pacific Adventure* will be transferred into the Carnival fleet.

How Carnival Corporation explains the move

Carnival Corporation chief executive officer Josh Weinstein said that while the company is proud of what P&O Cruises Australia has achieved, the costs have become too high to be able to operate the brand in Australia.

“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," Weinstein said.

While it’s not clear how many jobs will be lost, the ABC reported that between 10 and 20 jobs will be lost in Australia.

P&O Cruises Australia Pacific Encounter ship — Costs have become too high to be able to operate the brand in Australia.

But what is really behind the demise of Australia’s home-grown cruising brand?

To get some insights we asked Australian Traveller Media’s co-founder and cruise enthusiast Quentin Long what he thinks is going on.

“There are three driving factors I can see," he says.

“The first is pure economic efficiency through cost rationalisation. Running a small regional cruise line without the centralised systems of a huge corporation is a lot of cost on a small revenue base – in other words incredibly difficult to make profitable."

So, cost consolidation would instantly make it a lot easier for P&O to be more profitable. “Well maybe just profitable as the rumour is they have not been profitable for 10 years," he adds.

The second motive follows closely on the first according to Long.

“The Carnival brand has great penetration into the valuable US and global cruise market so now these rebranded ships address a larger source market. To meet that market, you can now easily move the ships to the destinations and develop itineraries to match this demand."

P&O Cruises Australia Pacific Explorer ship — *Pacific Explorer* will exit the fleet.

So, does that mean we may have fewer or even no cruise ships permanently based in Australia?

“Yes, that is certainly a possibility. It will be purely demand driven whether three, two, one or no ships are here in Australia year-round," Long says.

According to Long, the impact of that outcome will be felt far deeper than just the cruise passengers.

“Sure, a lot of Australians who could really only afford a P&O cruise will be left high and dry which is devastating. But what about the businesses that are serving the ships? They will lose 50 per cent of their business if they are pulled out of the market for the quiet winter season," he says.

And dare we ask about the third driving factor?

“Oh, that’s just about modernising and evolving the product to meet the new cruise passengers’ expectations," Long says.

Carnival Cruise Line will implement some technology upgrades and other small changes to the P&O fleet, most notably by introducing Carnival’s HubApp which allows guests to make reservations, get food and drinks delivered and chat with other guests.

“After the initial swift tech upgrade, I expect they will add more contemporary experiences that are in line with the Carnival Cruises brand – more glitz and brash US-style fun. So, more water slides etc," he continues.

Oasis on P&O Cruise ship — Carnival Cruise Line will upgrade the P&O fleet.

What P&O passengers need to know

Passengers who have booked a P&O Cruise in 2024 won’t be affected.

Guests booked on Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure after March 2025 will not be affected in most cases as the itineraries and departures will be maintained. Just a bit more tech when you get on the ships named Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter.

Passengers booked on Pacific Adventure will have options for a full refund, future cruise credit and even in some cases onboard credits.

Magrodrome on P&O Cruise ship — At this stage, it’s unclear how many jobs will be lost.

No matter your age and no matter your interests, Victoria’s coastal Bellarine region makes for a memorable getaway for the whole family.

Curving into Port Phillip Bay and extending south from Geelong, The Bellarine is a gorgeous coast-meets-country destination. It’s a captivating mix of beachside towns, rolling farms and vineyards, effortlessly cool eating and drinking spots and coastal vistas that seem to stretch beyond the horizon.

Among its many highlights is a plethora of family-friendly activities to suit all ages and all interests. Here’s your guide to the ultimate Bellarine getaway guaranteed to keep every generation happy.

1. Tuckerberry Hill Farm

There may be no better way to spend an early morning than by foraging and feasting on your own bounty of berries. At Tuckerberry Hill Farm , you can pick blueberries, strawberries and stone fruit from November through March. Take them home or enjoy on the farm’s sun-dappled grounds.

Tuckerberry also has a regular market selling farm-fresh produce, plus an inviting on-site cafe doing light lunches, drinks, home-baked treats and condiments – many of which incorporate the farm’s own harvest.

2. The Oxley Estate

A memorable holiday starts with a memorable place to stay, and The Oxley Estate delivers. Situated in the relaxed coastal town of Portarlington, the sprawling site offers thoughtfully styled rooms and activities that’ll keep both parents and kids entertained.

Wander the fragrant rose gardens, olive grove and fruit-laden orchards. Meet the resident alpacas, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens and ducks. Challenge your crew to a round of giant chess or mini golf. Or cool off in the shimmering saltwater pool after a busy day of exploring.

Different room types cater to different groups, with the largest able to comfortably sleep eight.

3. Oneday Estate

Oneday Estate is a must-visit. The winery lets you try small-batch, estate-grown shiraz, pinot noir and riesling. It’s also a vibrant and character-filled Sunday lunch spot.

The on-site eatery and bar hosts weekly Sunday Sessions accompanied by tunes from local musicians, a buzzy atmosphere and flavour-packed food and drink. Order a round of delicious woodfired pizzas with toppings to suit all tastes, alongside a glass of Oneday’s signature wine.

The restaurant is also a sight to behold, an eclectic stone-and-timber hall crafted from recycled materials and 100-year-old relics repurposed from the surrounding region.

4. BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon

BIG4 holiday parks are renowned for their all-ages appeal, and BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon in the coastal enclave of Queenscliff is no different. The pool and gym are a given, but there’s also a playground, pickleball and basketball courts, a jumbo-sized jump pad, an interactive games arena and an indoor games room equipped with toys, activities and entertainment.

The diverse range of accommodation spans compact studios designed for three guests, all the way up to expansive beach houses accommodating up to 10, providing comfort and flexibility to suit every size of family.

5. Bellarine Railway

If your entourage includes any locomotive enthusiasts, book a journey aboard the Bellarine Railway . The more than 100-year-old steam train transports you to a bygone era and takes you through the rolling farmland and windswept coastal landscapes that make The Bellarine so beautiful.

The Swan Bay Express is an easy 45-minute ride perfect for younger passengers (and even allows dogs on board), or you could opt for a themed trip. There are seasonal events like the Polar Express (a festive favourite in the lead-up to Christmas), along with the Blues Train (a high-energy experience of live music and dancing) and the Q Train (a roving fine-dining feast celebrating regional produce).

6. The Dunes

waiter holding desserts at The Dunes, the bellarine — Save room for dessert. (Image: Visit Vic)

The Dunes offers the perfect balance of polished and playful, a breezy beachside bar and restaurant that appeals to adults and kids alike.

Feast on moreish snacks, share plates and mains from the Italian-inspired menu, or a selection of San Marzano-topped pizzas fresh from the wood-fired oven. Pair your meal with a classic cocktail, an ice-cold beer or a glass from the generous drinks menu, which brims with local drops. Little ones are well catered for with a line-up of kid-approved meals for breakfast and lunch.

If you’re simply swinging by en route to the family-friendly beach, grab a bite at The Dunes’ beachside kiosk before strolling down for a paddle or surf.

7. Sea All Dolphin Swims

dolphins playing in The Bellarine — Spot the locals with Sea All Dolphin Swims. (Image: Visit Vic)

The sparkling waters around The Bellarine are home to dolphins, fur seals, little penguins, humpback and southern right whales, plus a flurry of seabirds. Sea All Dolphin Swims lets you see some of these magnificent animals up close aboard one of their small-group vessels.

Head out on a sightseeing tour and spot local wildlife darting around the boat, or dive right in with a swim adventure tour. You’ll be swimming alongside dolphins and seals in their natural habitat – a bucket-list experience you won’t forget fast.

Swimming and snorkelling gear is provided, and guides are trained to ensure a gentle, eco-friendly encounter for both swimmers and sea creatures.

8. Jack Rabbit

aerial of jack rabbit winery and vineyard — Everyone has a menu to enjoy at Jack Rabbit. (Image: Visit Vic)

Jack Rabbit is a one-stop dining destination, with a casual cafe and refined restaurant in one place.

If your mood leans laid-back, the House of Jack Rabbit is a lovely spot for brunch, lunch or dinner. The cafe serves a produce-driven all-day menu filled with seasonal mains, generous sharing platters and a playful kids menu to suit even the pickiest of eaters.

If you’re after something more elevated, Jack Rabbit Restaurant does plates that change with the seasons and incorporate plenty of local produce. Even younger guests are well catered to, with a considered yet familiar kids’ menu that’s just as vibrant as the grown-up one.

To start planning your trip or for more inspiration, head to visitgeelongbellarine.com.au

What’s really behind the end of Australia?