Former P&O ship has a new name, but needs a proper makeover

The ship: Carnival Adventure

• Launched 2001
• The cruise: Four-night Moreton Island Cruise, a round trip from Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal and back
• Passengers 2636
• Crew 1100
• Decks 13
• Length 290 metres

With a new name, Carnival Adventure, the ship previously known as both Golden Princess and Pacific Adventure is Carnival’s east coast, year-round workhorse. Launched in 2001 under Princess Cruises, she was built in Italy for $US425 million.

Boarding

After alighting at Sydney’s Circular Quay railway station, it’s a delightful convenience to walk to my home for the next four days. The ship is neatly framed by the Harbour Bridge in the background, dwarfing the distinctive yellow and green ferries departing the wharf. At the passenger terminal, there are plentiful staff to usher me aboard. I’ve forgotten my printed ticket, so a crew member produces one from a tiny printer on her belt. After dropping my luggage on the dock, I make my way through check-in and carry-on bag search (drones and hard liquor seem to be the main contraband), before easily rolling onto the ship, where my door key is waiting in a sealed envelope in the mailbox.

The design

After folding the P&O brand in March 2025, parent company Carnival renamed Pacific Adventure the Carnival Adventure. The funnel has a shiny new Carnival sign, but to be frank, the money would have been better spent on improving the interior. The ship is older, and while the public areas are in decent condition, some areas remind you of visiting your parents’ place: everything is neat, clean, and in good condition, but it’s also increasingly dated. In other areas of the ship, there are bigger crimes against interior design: the dolphin statues by the lifts on Deck 14 are a little frightening.

The spaces

Most of the action happens on deck seven, where the Adventure Bar, Piano Bar and Black Circus theatre are located, while deck six hosts the main restaurants. The Oasis is designed for adults only, while the Byron Beach Club is a restricted VIP space for those staying in the Byron Beach Suites. Deck 14 is the other main hub, with a mix of buffets, pools, spa and gym.

The suite

I’m staying on Deck 11 in cabin 523, a portside balcony stateroom. There’s a small bathroom accessed through a generous walk-in wardrobe, large bed, desk, bar fridge and flat-screen TV. Overall, the suite is roomier than expected and feels secluded from the bustle of the rest of the ship. The best place is, of course, the balcony, with those incredible ocean views.

The food

The food aboard Carnival Adventure exceeds expectations. At lunch, I tend to eat from the buffet on level 14 each day (often taking my tray back to my room to sit on my balcony and eat in peace with a view). I enjoy rotating through the different restaurants onboard at night, including modern Australian at Waterfront, East Asian at Dragon Lady, Italian at Angelo’s, and fine dining at Luke’s Bar & Grill. On board, there are lots of off-piste food options worth checking out: Trattoria offers free pizza slices during lunch, while those with a late-night snack attack tend to head to Luke’s Burgers, open until 2am. The best coffee? Level Five atrium (with excellent jumbo macarons after midday).

Wellness

Perched at the bow, the gym has some enviable views of the ocean, but I’m genuinely surprised to find it packed at 7am (don’t all these people know they’re on holiday?). Instead of treadmill time, I opt for a massage at Cloud 9 spa. While there are the standard massage and beauty treatments, as well as a hair salon, there’s also a medi-spa offering Botox and fillers. My first massage is exceptional, and the treatment rooms are particularly relaxing, with a view to the ocean. However, disaster strikes 15 minutes into my second massage a few days later: with rough seas, I have to head below to quell a swirling stomach.

Entertainment

I vow to try a little bit of everything while on board, and as there are so many entertainment options, I don’t get to them all. The Edge Adventure Park, built at the top of the ship, includes a Bridge Roof Walk, a flying fox over the pool, and climbing walls. Along with trivia, there is plenty of live music sprinkled across the ship’s venues, as well as dance classes, bingo, seminars, comedy shows and games.

After dark, the highlight is Blanc de Blanc Uncorked, an R18+ mix of risque cabaret and acrobatics that brings the giggles and occasional pearl-clutching gasp from the audience, while the Piano Bar has great energy (although try to request something other than Sweet Caroline or Piano Man). My hot tip? Don’t miss the Love & Marriage show.

The Build-a-Bear workshop is a sellout, and the constant presence of professional photographers all over the ship (with resulting images printed for all to see along the Pixels Photo Wall on Deck 7) is popular with families and groups.

The crew

From the bars to the spa and up to the bridge, the staff are efficient, engaged and somehow also relaxed. They know what they’re doing and know their clientele, and especially in the dining areas, they’re fast and on the ball. I am particularly impressed with how they handle my food allergy: at every meal the staff already know there’s a coeliac at the table, and when unsure about a dish, they have a chef discuss it with me directly.

The verdict

It’s not tick-the-box luxury, it’s not a great destination-driven expedition ship, it’s not redefining cruising, and it doesn’t pretend to be. Instead, this is a sturdy ship where passengers have a lot of fun, and it’s the right fit for the casual Australian cruise market.

The details

Fares for an internal cabin on Carnival Adventure’s four-night Moreton Island cruise from $504 a person, twin share. Balcony cabins from $689 a person, twin share. This includes some non-alcoholic beverages and selected dining options. Shore excursions, Wi-Fi, alcohol, spa and some dining options are extra. There are 27 wheelchair accessible suites on board. See carnival.com.au

Our rating out of five

★★★

Swell

There’s a lack of pretension and an atmosphere of fun throughout the boat: passengers and staff seem relaxed and happy.

Not so swell

Unfortunately, the swell is too heavy for us to disembark and visit Moreton Island, our sole port of call for the trip.

The writer was a guest of Carnival.

Sign up for the Traveller newsletter

The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.