Carnival Luminosa arrives in Brisbane for third consecutive season

Carnival Cruise Line’s 2,826-passenger Luminosa arrived at Brisbane International Cruise Terminal Sunday for her third consecutive local summer season which goes through to April.

The former Costa Luminosa was the first Carnival ship to sail from Brisbane when she commenced her inaugural season in November 2022. 

70,000 passengers

She will take more than 70,000 holiday-makers on 24 voyages sailing to Far North Queensland, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea.

Next March Luminosa will be joined in Brisbane by P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Encounter, rebranded Carnival Encounter, which will homeport there year-round.

‘The decision to keep Carnival Encounter based in Brisbane year-round is an indication of how much Queenslanders love cruising from their capital city,’ CCL VP Kara Glamore said.

‘As we expand our fleet, Carnival’s commitment to the Sunshine State has never been stronger,’ Glamore said.

Regional ports

Highlighting the importance of regional destinations in Queensland, Carnival ships will visit Morton Island 50 times, Airlie Beach 52 times and Cairns 28 times during 2025.

When P&O’s Pacific Adventure is rebranded Carnival Adventure in March and is homeported in Sydney year-round with Carnival Splendor, the company will have a fleet of three ships operating full calendar — Carnival Splendor, Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter — with Luminosa sailing seasonally.

Related:Carnival to have four ships in Australia in 2026-27