A cruise ship that regularly travels out of Auckland will be retired early next year, as it was today announced the P&O Cruises brand will be folded into the world's largest cruise line.
The Australian cruise brand, which has been sailing for 90 years, will be retired and its operations folded into Carnival Cruises early next year, its parent company has announced.
Carnival Cruises said the "strategic" move would boost guest capacity and increase operational efficiencies.
Carnival Cruises chief executive Josh Weinstein said the brand was adjusting its approach to efficiently deliver an "incredible cruise experience year-round" to guests in the South Pacific.
"P&O Cruises Australia is a storied brand with an amazing team, and we are extremely proud of everything we have accomplished together in Australia and the broader region."
Itineraries will run as normal and any guests affected by the changes will be notified in coming days, Carnival said.
"We look forward to building on the history and heritage of P&O Cruises Australia by bringing some of our innovations to more cruise guests in the region," Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy said.
Two of P&O's ships, the Pacific Encounter and the Pacific Adventure, will be rebranded and operated by Carnival Cruise Line.
Pacific Explorer, which has run many trips out of Auckland, will exit the fleet in February of 2025.
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