Carnival Cruise Line is set to embark on its “largest-ever” period of growth in its 50-year history.

Following the launch of Carnival Luminosa earlier this year, the brand will add five more ships to its fleet over the next two years, the next being the delivery of two Excel-class vessels, Carnival Celebration to Miami and Carnival Jubilee to Texas.


As part of the expansion plan, Carnival will also introduce a new concept – “Carnival Fun Italian Style” – with two additional ships from sister brand Costa Cruises, starting with Carnival Venezia next spring, sailing year-round from New York, and Carnival Firenze in 2024 out of from Long Beach.

“Carnival Luminosa is a testament to our ongoing commitment to Australia, and the start of a period of growth unlike any other in Carnival’s 50-year history,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

“Having a Brisbane-based ship has been a goal of ours for quite some time, so we are so happy that they are the first market globally to experience the big, bright, fun that this ship has to offer and so excited to give our guests more Carnival ships and itinerary options to sail over the next two years.”

Luminosa – which arrived at its homeport of Brisbane on Monday (31 October) – will sail on its first cruise on 6 November and operate 28 sailings through 13 April 2023, visiting 60 ports across Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.

The sailings will support Carnival Australia’s anticipated $165 million contribution to the Queensland economy this year.

Carnival Luminosa Arrives in Brisbane Ahead of New Season

The Carnival Luminosa arrived in Queensland last week at the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal, while it will become the first Carnival ship to depart from the port, according to a press release.

From November 2022 to April 2023, the Carnival Luminosa will set sail from Brisbane across 28 voyages and it will visit a number of Queensland destinations, including Airlie Beach and The Great Barrier Reef. From May 2023, the ship will reposition to Seattle before returning to Queensland later that year, according to Carnival Cruise Line.

“Brisbane is the first market globally to experience the big, bright, fun that Carnival Luminosa has to offer and we thank Queenslanders for their patience, love and support,” said Kara Glamore, vice president, of Carnival Cruise Line Australia.

Carnival revealed some of the ship’s features earlier this month, including a 10-deck-high atrium, a multi-million dollar bronze sculpture by the world-renowned artist Fernando Botero, a sunset bar, a two-deck-high sky dome, and one of the largest spas and thermal areas in its fleet.

“Having a Brisbane-based ship has been a goal of ours for quite some time and it’s only appropriate that our ship in the Sunshine State is packed with natural light, plus the hospitality and fun that Carnival is famous for,” added Glamore.

Upon arrival in Brisbane, 61 of the Luminosa’s windows were lit with “We ❤ QLD” across her 290m+ length, sending a special message to locals.

Carnival Miracle Undergoing Scheduled Drydock

The Carnival Miracle is currently undergoing a routine drydock in Astoria, Portland. As part of the ship’s regular maintenance schedule, the shipyard stay was confirmed by Carnival Cruise Line in May.

In addition to regular upkeeping and class work, the Spirit-Class vessel is set to receive Carnival’s new blue, red and white livery.

Created to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary, the new hull look was inspired by officers’ uniforms and features a navy-blue bow along with red and white accents running the entire length of the ship.

After completing the drydock, the Miracle is set to resume its cruise program on the West Coast on November 17.

On the date, the 88,500-ton vessel sails from Long Beach on a short cruise to the Mexican Riviera. The five-night itinerary includes full-day visits to Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada before returning to Carnival’s cruise terminal in the Los Angeles area.

During the 2022-2023 winter season, the 2,124-passenger ship is also set to offer two-week cruises to Hawaii, as well as additional three- to six-night itineraries to the Mexican Riviera and Baja California.

Closing out Carnival’s Spirit Class, the Carnival Miracle originally entered service in 2004.

Designed with a multi-deck atrium, a glass-enclosed pool deck and a large number of cabins with private balconies, the ship underwent a major refurbishment in 2015.

At the time, it received all of Carnival’s Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades, including the Alchemy Bar, the RedFrog Rum Bar and the Cherry on Top candy store.

Other features of the vessel include the Punchliner Comedy Club, a Serenity adults-only retreat, a classic American-style steakhouse, a nine-hole miniature golf course, a 14,500-square-foot health and wellness centre, and more.

In addition to the Miracle, six Carnival ships have completed scheduled drydocks in 2022, including the Carnival Luminosa