It’s the latest in a series of strategic moves aimed at boosting capacity for the company's flagship brand and its most profitable line.
Seatrade-Cruise.com reports the move will result in the addition of eight new ships to Carnival Cruise Line's fleet in the last three years, including the shift of three vessels from sister brand Costa Cruises. In addition, the company recently placed its first new ship order in half a decade for two Excel-class ships to join the Fun Ship brand in 2027 and 2028.
“Despite increasing Carnival Cruise Line's capacity by almost 25% since 2019 including transferring three ships from Costa Cruises, guest demand remains incredibly strong so we're leveraging our scale in an even more meaningful way by absorbing an entire brand into the world's most popular cruise line,” said Carnival Corp. CEO Josh Weinstein.
In 2019, Carnival Cruise Line comprised 29% of the company's total capacity, and when the P&O ships join it, that will grow to 35%.
Weinstein said the move will “further optimize the composition of Carnival Corporation’s global brand portfolio.” He also said it would “strengthen the corporation’s performance in the South Pacific through numerous operational efficiencies.”
Maritime-Executive.com reports that this marks the first time Carnival Corp. has ended one of its historic brand names since it began acquiring cruise lines in 1989.
The end of P&O Australia comes 93 years after the steamship line operated its first cruise from The Land Down Under.
