Carnival Luminosa Arrives in Brisbane Ahead of New Season

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 <3 QLD" across her 290m+ length, sending a special message to locals.

Cruise lines pledge Australian bushfire relief cash

Cruise lines pledge Australian bushfire relief cash

Carnival Corporation and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings have both made donations to help support Australian bushfire disaster recovery efforts.

The bushfire crisis has been ongoing in Australia since September and 27 people have died.

More than $1.25 million has been pledged by Carnival Foundation – the corporation’s philanthropic arm – five of its global cruise line brands together with the Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation.

The pledge includes $1 million from the family foundation of Carnival chairman Arison and his wife, in addition to $250,000 from Carnival Foundation and five brands – P&O Cruises (Australia), Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises.

All five brands have ships based year-round in Australia or homeport seasonally in the country.

The $1 million will be provided to support “the most timely and urgent relief needs throughout the country”.

The $250,000 donation has been committed to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund.

The company’s commitment follows a combined A$50,000 donation from P&O Cruises (Australia) and passengers late last year to support residents of New South Wales and Queensland impacted by local bushfires.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has donated A$250,000 to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund to support emergency relief efforts for communities affected by bushfires.









Carnival Australia President Sture Myrmell said: “Our cruise lines carried hundreds of thousands of Aussies and international guests on voyages this summer, and this gesture is a sign of our solidarity with the local community.

“As a cruise shipping organisation with close ties to Australian communities developed over many years, we have been shocked by the devastation from this ongoing disaster.

“Our cruise lines are contributing to the Australian Red Cross’ Disaster Relief and Recovery work because of the organisation’s experience in dealing with the effects of natural disasters and its national reach.

“Communities affected by the bushfire crisis are in immediate need, and we are pleased to be able to contribute in a way that ensures help can be delivered where it is needed most and as quickly as possible. This contribution is being made on behalf of all of our guests who are no doubt equally shocked and concerned at what has happened to their fellow Australians.”

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings president and chief executive Frank Del Rio said: “We are saddened by the devastation caused by the ongoing bushfires in Australia.

“Our A$250,000 donation to the Australian Red Cross will go directly to relief and recovery efforts for those affected by these historic fires.”