Carnival Cruise Line’s newest cruise ship, the recently converted Carnival Luminosa, has officially sailed on its first cruise for Carnival Cruise Line. Departing from Brisbane, Australia, on Sunday, November 6, she is the first ever Carnival Cruise Line cruise ship to homeport in the city.
Carnival Luminosa will sail a total of 28 cruises during its Australian Season, contributing substantially to the local economy.
First-Ever Carnival Cruise Ship to Homeport in Brisbane
Carnival Luminosa arrived in Brisbane, Queensland, on Sunday, October 30, 2022, and has spent the last week preparing for her first cruise, which sailed on Sunday, November 6. The re-imagined cruise ship previously sailed for sister-line Costa Cruises and was transformed into a Carnival cruise ship over the last couple of months.
As guests embarked on Carnival Luminosa for the first time from the new Brisbane International Cruise Terminal, they were welcomed with the signature “Here Comes the Fun” event. The first voyage is a big moment for Carnival and Queensland, as she is the first Carnival cruise ship to homeport from Brisbane.
As part of the celebration and welcome into Australian waters, Carnival Luminosa was presented with an honorary “Citizen-Ship” certificate from local officials, acknowledging Carnival’s commitment to fun in Queensland.
Carnival Cruise Line Chief Commercial Officer and Executive Vice President Ken Tate:
“Bringing a Carnival ship to Queensland has been a long-term goal of ours, so this is a special occasion as it meets that goal and completes our two-ship deployment plan for Australia by complementing Carnival Splendor’s year-round service offerings from Sydney while also underscoring our commitment here as we celebrate 10 years of operations in Australia.”
Carnival Luminosa‘s first cruise is a seven-day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, which includes stops in Airlie Beach, Cairns, Port Douglas, and Willis Island. During their time onboard, guests will have more than enough time to experience the different style and vibe that Carnival Luminosa brings to Carnival Cruise Line.
Bringing Some Italian Style to Australia
Although she shares many food, beverage, and entertainment options that Carnival Cruise Line guests love from the other Carnival cruise ships, the 92,600 gross ton, 2,260-passenger Carnival Luminosa has a unique vibe.
The cruise ship has operated for Costa Cruises since 2009 until Carnival Corporation decided to transfer the vessel to its sister-line Carnival Cruise Line. This was due to a reshuffle of ships that Carnival Corporation, Costa, and Carnival Cruise Line made following the uncertain situation for cruising in China.
Over the past two months, the cruise ship has been undergoing a transformation, including incorporating the beautiful red, blue, and white livery and restaurants such as Pizzeria Del Capitano, the Lido Marketplace, and the Steakhouse. Guests will also find the RedFrog Rum Bar and the Alchemy Bar onboard. All enveloped in some typical Italian style and grace.
Following her first cruise, Carnival Luminosa will sail an additional 27 cruises from Australia, during which she will also visit New Zealand and the South Pacific on cruises ranging in length between three and 11-nights. The entire season will add around 165 million dollars to the local economy and support local entrepreneurs, travel agents, and suppliers.
Carnival Luminosa is only the first cruise ship to transfer from Costa Cruises. The “Carnival Fun Italian Style” will expand with two additional vessels, starting with Carnival Venezia sailing year-round from New York City in spring 2023. Carnival Firenze follows in 2024 with sailings from Long Beach, California.
