Carnival cruises to cut Vanuatu visits by 15% from 2028

March 2, 2026 9:32 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Doddy Morris.

A change in deployment by Carnival Cruise Line will result in a reduction in cruise ship visits to Vanuatu from April 2028, according to the company.

The adjustment follows Carnival’s earlier announcement that the cruise ship Carnival Adventure will begin operating seasonally from Sydney starting in April 2028.

Carnival confirmed that all voyages currently advertised will continue as scheduled until that time.

The company stated that the change will lead to approximately a 15 per cent reduction in Carnival ship visits to Vanuatu once the new deployment takes effect, which is more than two years away.

Despite the future adjustment, Carnival said its presence in the region remains significant. Across its four-ship fleet sailing from Australia, the cruise line is expected to make 49 visits to Vanuatu in 2026.

From April 2028, Carnival Adventure will operate seasonally from Sydney between November and April, instead of sailing year-round in the region.

Carnival noted that two of its vessels — Carnival Splendor and Carnival Encounter — will continue visiting Vanuatu throughout the year.

Meanwhile, Carnival Adventure and Carnival Luminosa are expected to operate voyages to Vanuatu during the summer cruising season from November 2028.

Carnival said the adjustment forms part of its broader fleet deployment strategy, while maintaining cruise itineraries to popular Pacific destinations including Vanuatu.