P&O Cruises Australia to disappear as Carnival Corporation sunsets brand

Describing P&O as “a well-known brand with an amazing team”, Carnival said the closure of the company in March next year was a necessary cost-saving exercise.

“Given the strategic reality of the South Pacific’s small population and significantly higher operational and regulatory costs, we are adjusting our approach to give us the efficiencies we need to continue to deliver an incredible cruise experience all year round to our guests in the region,” said Carnival CEO Josh Weinstein.

“Carnival Corporation & plc remains committed to Australia and we will continue to be the largest cruise operator in the region with 19 ships visiting 78 destinations and representing almost 60 percent of the market.”

The move will see two of P&O’s cruise ships – Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure – come under the control of Carnival Cruise Line, meaning four of the company’s ships will serve the South Pacific market.

P&O’s other ship, the Pacific Explorer, will be retired in February.

Carnival said current itineraries would operate as normal and that all guests whose future bookings would change as a result of P&O’s folding would be notified in the coming days.

“We look forward to building on the history and legacy of P&O Cruises Australia by bringing some of our innovations to more cruise guests in the region,” Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy said.

“While we plan to make some technology upgrades and other small changes to both P&O Cruises Australia ships, they will continue to target the unique Australian market with a familiar feel and much of the same experience for P&O Cruises Australia guests.”

Carnival said P&O customers would be invited to its own loyalty program.

“Over the coming months we will find ways to celebrate and honor P&O Cruises Australia – a valuable part of our heritage and an important player in the South Pacific tourism industry,” Weinstein said.

“We value the relationship that our guests, employees, P&O Cruises Australia travel consultant partners, government officials and destinations have with our company and are committed to building on this association going forward as Carnival.”