Everything You Need to Know About P&O Cruises Changes

The P&O and Carnival merge sent shockwaves through the industry when it was announced the P&O Cruises would be merging into Carnival Cruises. But the first thing to know is... it's not exactly a merger!

P&O Cruises has been sunset and has been folded into its parent brand – Carnival Cruise Lines. Guests can expect an epic blend of Carnival's signature brand of fun and excellent service , combined with many of the features that made P&O such a well-loved company. You'll really be getting the best of both worlds!

So... what does this mean for you? Over the next few years you'll start to see little changes happening – the arrival of smoother booking processes, updated itineraries from local ports and cooler onboard amenities. If you were a P&O regular, get ready for more cruise options and possibly even better deals! And for future cruisers it means even more exciting travel experiences.

With the Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, some of Carnival's largest cruise ships joining the family, Carnival will have four ships sailing around Australia and New Zealand. For guests, more ships at sea means more options. From island hopping in the South Pacific, cruises around New Zealand or even short weekend getaways in the form of mini cruises, there's sure to be something for you!

But that's not all. Booking your dream holiday on one of their cruise ships is about to get even easier with more streamlined processes and more itineraries and shore excursions to pick from.

And let's talk onboard perks while at sea! With the best of both worlds combining, you can expect the iconic fun ship experience from Carnival Corporation, mixed with the best P&O had to offer. Fan favourite food and dining options from P&O cruises will still be available on the ships including Luke's Bar & Grill for dinner, the Waterfront restaurant, New Zealand Natural ice cream and more! Drinks packages, family friendly service and fun for the whole family and adults is also not going anywhere.

If you're travelling with a family, you'll never hear the dreaded phrase, "I'm bored!" With endless entertainment onboard cruise ships, drinks packages and plenty of shore excursions, there's something for every traveller as soon as you board your voyage! The kids are sure to love the Edge Park, twin racer waterslides, kids club and Build-A-Bear onboard. Plus, with amazing nightly shows, Byron Beach Club and more - there's something for the adult Mum & Dad to discover too like s a romantic dinner at the incredible onboard dining.

The future's looking bright for the world's largest cruise company, Carnival Cruise Line! The long-term vision for the combined company and fleet is all about delivering exceptional value and unforgettable experiences on their ships from Carnival UK to right here at our ports in New Zealand.

Whether it's expanding the fleet or upping the game in customer service, Carnival is sure to make waves in the cruise industry. So, pack your bags and your desire to discover new holiday experiences – the future of cruising just got a whole lot more exciting!

Expect a unified branding and marketing strategy that showcases the strengths of both P&O and Carnival. This means new promos, a bigger fleet of ships, more itineraries and a loyalty programme that'll make you feel like a VIP every time you pay. With streamlined marketing P&O is looking to cement its position as a cruise industry leader.

Customer experience is at the heart of this merger. With more amenities, activities and dining options, cruisers can look forward to a richer travel experience. Imagine innovative onboard features and tailored excursions to suit every taste. Plus with enhanced staff training every voyage will be unforgettable. The future of P&O Cruises looks bright and full of possibilities for both families and adult traveller !

If you're part of the P&O or Carnival loyalty programmes - good news! The new carnival ships, Carnival Encounter and Carnival Adventure, will now earn Carnival Very Important Fun Person Club (VIFP) points. Carnival VIFP Club perks allow you to make the most of your cruising experience with plenty of great rewards and benefits. Think of it as levelling up in a video game – more points, better offers and greater recognition for your loyalty. Who doesn't love getting a little extra love for being a regular?

Any past cruises you have taken with P&O Cruises Australia (prior to March 25) will not count towards Carnival VIFP Club points, but will instead count towards the Princess Captain Circle programme which can be used when sailing with Princess Cruises.

For cruisers, booking a Carnival cruise holiday will be even easier powered by a more streamlined booking process and more itineraries to choose from for adult passengers. All cruises will be available to book online and through Flight Centre stores.

Now the merger is in full swing, organising your next cruise holiday from your nearest port is going to be an experience in itself. To book cruises under the new structure check out the latest offerings online – itineraries and ship availability may change so keep an eye out for updates.

Be aware of any changes to policies and procedures. The merger may bring changes to processes, cancellation policies and some onboard experiences. Stay informed and you'll be able to navigate these changes smoothly.

Got questions about what this means for you? You're not alone. Many cruisers are wondering how this will affect their cruise holidays. Common questions include changes to existing itineraries, onboard experiences and pricing structures. Stay informed!

If you have any questions, head into your local Flight Centre store and chat to one of our friendly Travel Experts.