cunard cruises japan

Luxury Cunard Japanese Voyage & Mount Fuji in Cherry Blossom

Cruise holiday overview.

• Ship Queen Elizabeth
• Duration 14 NIGHTS
• Departure Date Range Mar 2025 - Apr 2025
• Cruise type Cruise & Touring
• Cruise code ASA7928

BOOK AN OCEANVIEW OR ABOVE & RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY TOUR*

Complimentary 3 night stay in tokyo.

Breathe in Japan’s ethereal beauty during the cherry blossom season with a three-night hotel stay in Tokyo, fully escorted Mount Fuji tour*, and luxurious Cunard voyage.

Your enchanting adventure begins with a three-night hotel stay in Tokyo and an unforgettable, fully escorted tour of Mount Fuji* in cherry blossom season. Next, you’ll embark on a delightful round-trip voyage of Japan’s mesmerising coastal destinations on board Cunard’s illustrious Queen Elizabeth.

Sailing first to Aiomori, you’ll be awed by the cherry blossom that lines its riverbanks, before heading to Sakaiminato, a small fishing town famed for its “rollercoaster bridge” over Lake Nakaumi. Visit Busan, South Korea’s fascinating beachside city where soaring skyscrapers are set in the green mountainside, then call to cosmopolitan Nagasaki before sailing into the view of Mount Fuji at the serene coastal city of Shimizu.

Your Imagine Holiday Includes

9 night full-board cruise on board Queen Elizabeth

*Book an Oceanview or above and receive a complimentary Mount Fuji Tour

3 night four-star hotel stay at the Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba

Tour of Mount Fuji including the Hakone Ropeway cable car

Boat trip across Lake Ashi

High-speed bullet train to Tokyo

London departure – regional flights available

Overnight flights

Your Voyage

Your Itinerary

Your holiday begins as you fly from the UK to your destination.

Discover Tokyo’s heady mix of culture and modernity during a three-night hotel stay. Marvel at the breathtaking views from the Shibuya Sky Observatory, or soak up the colourful sights of Harajuku

Overnight: Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba

Your fully escorted Mount Fuji tour will reveal the sacred mountain’s walking trails and shrines. Ride the Hakone Ropeway cable car and take a boat across the still, peaceful waters of Lake Ashi, before the high-speed bullet train back to Tokyo.

Savour a day at leisure uncovering Tokyo’s enthralling sights and sounds. Take your pick of fantastic shopping, dining and entertainment options in Ginza, strolling across the iconic ‘Times Square’ of Tokyo.

Queen Elizabeth is a stunning cruise ship that emanates sophistication, opulence, and enduring allure. On board, passengers can luxuriate in an array of amenities, such as exquisite dining venues, sumptuous lounges, a splendid theatre, and a serene spa.

Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

Overnight: Queen Elizabeth

Aomori, a captivating Japanese prefecture, unfolds with scenic beauty. Cherry blossoms, snow-covered landscapes, and rich traditions make it a charming destination, offering an authentic and serene escape in northern Japan.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Sakaiminato, a place where tradition and enchantment intertwine. Discover the charm of this coastal town, immerse yourself in its rich heritage, and let the magic of Sakaiminato ignite your soul.

Embark on a transformative journey from picturesque Burravoe to vibrant Busan. Discover a captivating blend of modernity and tradition, indulge in tantalizing cuisine, immersing yourself in South Korea’s rich and dynamic culture. Unforgettable experiences await.

Discover the captivating spirit of Nagasaki, a city that rose from the ashes with unwavering resilience. From its rich history to vibrant culture, it’s a testament to the triumph of the human spirit.

Embrace the coastal allure of Shimizu, Japan. With its iconic Mount Fuji views, maritime charm, and historic sites, it’s a destination that invites you to immerse in Japanese culture and nature’s beauty.

Your holiday complete, today you’ll disembark your ship and head to the airport for your flight home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your Tour Highlights

Queen Elizabeth

When Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II conducted the naming ceremony in her own honour in October 2010, she continued a marvellously regal formal cruising tradition. Cunard has maintained all the refined styling, amenities and service associated with the Golden Era of cruise sailing and added modern facilities, leisure, and entertainment opportunities.

Stunning accommodation and the most exceptional fine dining you’ll ever experience at sea are highlights of the glorious Cunard Queen Elizabeth cruise ship. You could dance the night away in the Queens Room at a themed ball, enjoy Afternoon Tea served by white-gloved waiters, or watch a polished production in the Royal Court Theatre. You’ll have three main gourmet restaurants to choose from, promising gastronomic delights to suit all tastes. And with spacious accommodation and two lovely pool areas, along with the Mareel® Wellness & Beauty sanctuary, you’ll enjoy a comfortable and relaxing cruise.

• Occupancy 2081
• Tonnage 90,900 tons
• Length 965 ft (294.00 m)

Life on board Queen Elizabeth

Enjoy Cunard Queen Elizabeth’s spectacular heritage, sense of occasion and huge array of activities, including ballroom-dancing, lawn bowls and Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room.

From classic British and French in the Britannia and Grills restaurants to the best steak onboard at The Verandah, plus a range of international cuisines at The Lido, there’s something to suit every taste.

• Britannia Restaurant
• Steakhouse at The Verandah*
• The Golden Lion*
• Dinner at the Lido*
• Al Fresco Dining*
• Café Carinthia*
• Britannia Club Restaurant^
• Queens Grill+
• Princess Grill**

Bars & Lounges*

• Commodore Club
• Garden Lounge
• Gin & Fizz
• The Golden Lion
• Queens Room

*Available at an additional cost

^Included when staying in a Britannia Club Balcony stateroom

+Included when staying in a Queens Grill Suite

** Included when staying in a Princess Grill Suite

Browse the art gallery and luxury boutiques, try your hand at croquet and fencing or take part in fitness classes or deck games. Alternatively, relax by the Pavilion Pool or in Mareel® Wellness & Beauty.

• Open-air pool
• Fully-equipped gym
• Traditional Afternoon Tea
• Gala Evenings
• Film screenings
• Planetarium shows
• Deck and board games
• Sports facilities
• Dance classes

entertainment

There’s never a dull moment with West End-style productions at the Royal Court Theatre, and a full live music programme, plus ballroom dancing in the Queens Room.

• G32 Nightclub
• Empire Casino
• Illuminations
• Royal Court Theatre

Cabins & Suites

Cunard boasts some of the most spacious staterooms at sea, and each one comes with a myriad of services, features, and amenities for you to enjoy.

inside Prices from £3,499 pp

Cunard Queen Elizabeth’s well-appointed inside staterooms offer a haven of comfort and style for you to enjoy during your voyage. You’ll find thoughtful features and luxurious amenities throughout to ensure that extra special touch.

• A half bottle of sparkling wine on arrival
• 24-hour room service
• Nightly turndown service, including a chocolate on your pillow
• Satellite TV
• Refrigerator
• Tea & coffee making facilities
• An invigorating shower and complimentary Penhaligon’s toiletries
• Bathrobe and slippers

Oceanview Prices from £4,099 pp

Beautifully positioned to offer spectacular sea views, Cunard’s Oceanview staterooms provide a private escape from which to enjoy the sights of the horizon. The perfectly framed views are the ideal backdrop to your luxurious surroundings.

balcony Prices from £4,599 pp

Escape to your own private outdoor space in one of Cunard’s obstructed view Balcony staterooms, where you can sit back and feel the crisp sea air on your skin. Complete with fabulous features and thoughtful amenities, you’ll be sure to be well looked after.

Grill Suite Prices from £6,999 pp

Delight in breathtaking sea views that can be enjoyed from both inside and outside your Grill Suite. A voyage with a Grill Suite reservation will offer a whole new level of indulgence with the extra special touches of fine-dining experiences, and exclusive access to the Grills Lounge and Terrace

• Complimentary room service
• Satellite TV, illy coffee machine and world atlas
• Bathroom with bath and shower
• Complimentary Penhaligon’s toiletries
• Velour robe and slippers
• A selection of fresh fruit, delivered daily
• Sparkling wine and chocolates to welcome you on board.
• Your own Grills Concierge for the duration of your stay
• A spacious private balcony with table and chairs to relax in
• A seven-pillow concierge menu
• Freedom dining in the Princess Grill restaurant
• Optional in-room dining from the Princess Grill menu

Your Hotel Stay

Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba (Or Similar)

Situated on Tokyo’s scenic waterfront, the Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba offers a peaceful and sophisticated retreat to return to after thrilling days exploring Tokyo. This hotel satiates all your dining desires with nine charming restaurants to choose from, including Teppanyaki Icho, which serves expertly crafted Japanese cuisine prepared from authentic seasonal ingredients. You can also enjoy a serene swim in the tranquil rooftop swimming pool, followed by a return to your elegant room boasting some of the best panoramic views of the city.

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Queen Elizabeth Japan

By MomentsNotice , March 28, 2023 in Cunard Line

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MomentsNotice

Haven't been on a Cunard ship in quite some time. Considering QE 9 day around Japan this April. In general, does QE provide either paid or complementary transportation from dock to nearest town on port days or are we totally on our own if we don't take their tour? 

Thanks in advance. 

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I don't know about Japan - but last year  on too long cruises there was buses provided by almost all ports (only exceptions were the Middle East) - either nominal cost or free. Or you didn't need anything special because the port was inthe middle of town 

From what I can tell, most of my Japan ports are not in town. 

Sounds like the cruise we’ll be on.  I can’t answer your question definitively but am very much assuming a shuttle to town will be available.  Uber is another option.

LittleFish1976

10 hours ago, MomentsNotice said: From what I can tell, most of my Japan ports are not in town. 

I haven't sailed Cunard to Japan yet (booked for 2025) but my experience with Cunard in other countries is that they do provide a free shuttle to the nearest city/town even in places where other cruise lines do not.

Perhaps you could ask on a Japan roll call here or read the older ones to see if the matter is mentioned. Mostly I would think you might be doing tours in ports in Japan to make sure you experience the most you can at each port. Tokyo would be an exception as it's easy to get yourself around once you work out how to buy a ticket for the train system. I think the port of Yokohama is quite central.

13 hours ago, alc13 said: Sounds like the cruise we’ll be on.  I can’t answer your question definitively but am very much assuming a shuttle to town will be available.  Uber is another option.

I'm on the April 19 departure. I don't see a roll call. Is that your cruise and have you found a roll call for it?

It is!  And no, no roll call that I can see.

We're planning to be on our own except in Yatsushiro and Akita.  If we can't catch a shuttle into town I'm assuming there will be taxis at the port, and we'll call an Uber if not. 

I was in Akita last October for 6 days. Amazing totally Japanese town (I didn't see one westerner in my 6 days--loved that!). If you are into art/architecture try to see the Akita Museum of Art designed by Tadao Ando with a very unique  Leonard Foujita 60 foot mural depicting life in Akita throughout the 4 seasons. Museum has a small cafe with lovely view where you can try matcha tea. I'm very excited to return to Akita but probably will stay near the port as I didn't get a chance to explore that area (where the castle is located). . 

Curious about Fukuoka. I believe the port is actually in in Hakata. I don't think Fukuoka has it's own cruise ship port so I'm hoping as itinerary says Fukuoka that the ship will transport us from Hakata to town. Otherwise there is (was) a local bus outside the Hakata Port and the train station is an easy walk as I recall. I've been there twice, once on HAL westerdam where we docked in Hakata (once just on my own). 

In my cruise experience to Japan (which honestly is rather vast) I think every port has had a great tourist info booth to help with planning of what to do and how. I'm rather disappointed that QE has such short hours in the ports, but it is what it is. Excited to be back on a Cunard ship. 

Still working on air etc so haven't had time to explore port locations. But I've been to every one of these towns so it should be easy for me. Probably going to do all on my own but haven't looked at the tours yet.  Planning to go to Taipei for a week before the cruise, then spend a week traveling around Japan after cruise. If I can help with any Japan questions, feel free to email me. 

Sorry, just in case above wasn't clear: I am an American Westerner but loved being in a place with no western tourists. Didn't mean to offend anyone. 

Host Hattie

2 hours ago, alc13 said: It is!  And no, no roll call that I can see.   We're planning to be on our own except in Yatsushiro and Akita.  If we can't catch a shuttle into town I'm assuming there will be taxis at the port, and we'll call an Uber if not. 

Sounds like a good time to start one then !

42 minutes ago, Host Hattie said: Sounds like a good time to start one then !

I think you're right -

1 hour ago, MomentsNotice said: Sorry, just in case above wasn't clear: I am an American Westerner but loved being in a place with no western tourists. Didn't mean to offend anyone. 

Oh, I'm with you on that.  The best travel is when you see and experience new things.

I started a roll call.  Would you mind posting your thoughts about some of the ports you've visited?

Best wishes for your Japan voyages, @alc13 and @MomentsNotice .  I've been on two Cunard trips that had ports in Japan, one in 2017 on QM2 from Hong Kong that called at Nagasaki, and the other in 2019 on QE that originated in Yokohama and called at Aomori and Muroran (for Sapporo) before crossing to Alaska.

As others have mentioned, if the pier isn't in the city centre, there is a Cunard shuttle bus to some central point.  Information I have is below:

Yokohama .  Cunard docks at Daikoku terminal, because QE/QM2/QV cannot fit under the Yokohama bay bridge.  If you are there as a port call (as opposed to embarking or disembarking), a shuttle goes from Daikoku to Osanbashi, which is adjacent to the Nihon-Odori stop on Japan Rail.  If embarking or disembarking, you can take a taxi to Yokohama station, which has frequent train service to Tokyo.

Aomori .  The pier is in the city.  No shuttle needed.

Muroran .  A shuttle went from the ship to the Higashi-Muroran station on Japan Rail.  I think that on upcoming Cunard calls to Sapporo, Cunard will use Otaru terminal rather than Muroran, which is much closer to Sapporo city.

Nagasaki .  The pier is in the city.  No shuttle needed.  There is a stop on Nagasaki's historical tram network nearby to the cruise pier, which is a great way to get around.  Day passes for unlimited travel used to cost Y500 per person (about US$4), and could be purchased at the cruise terminal tourist office.

I love going to Japan.  I used to travel there very regularly for work, and Mrs sfred and I have also been on holiday.  I learned enough Japanese to get by in many circumstances, which was often very useful, but have gotten increasingly rusty over the years.

Everything seems to work smoothy in Japan, sometimes amazingly so.  A favourite story was an occasion where a Shinkansen train mistakenly left Tokyo station a minute or so early, and Japan Rail issued a public apology for the inconvenience which may have been caused to any passengers. 

Down-Unders

22 hours ago, MomentsNotice said: Haven't been on a Cunard ship in quite some time. Considering QE 9 day around Japan this April. In general, does QE provide either paid or complementary transportation from dock to nearest town on port days or are we totally on our own if we don't take their tour?  Thanks in advance. 

Our Last cruise to Japan was April 2019 there was a complimentary shuttle into the nearest towns/cities that has always been the experience on all our Cunard cruises. Akita in April was one of the highlights, shuttle left us off in town and we walked to beautiful park cherry blossoms every where and of course the famous Akita dogs, food stalls and we paid to go into a Japanese Tea Ceremony in the park. As history buffs we took a tour off the ship to visit Nagasaki War Memorial Park and see where the atomic bomb was dropped. I believe this was the first year Cunard started cruising in Japan and with mostly Japanese passengers they appeared to cater mostly for them like early dinner 5.30.It was a pleasure to cruise with these passengers, elegantly dressed, beautiful manners  and in the true Cunard way any small disruptions were professionally dealt with and of course another great cruise!  

Akita sounds more interesting that I thought.  We might catch the cherry blossoms there, too.  Definitely worth wandering there.  Thanks for your posts!

There is a member, Hlitner, currently on Westerdam for something like 40 some days, mostly in Japan.  Plus he has done some time in Japan pre-cruise.  he is doing a Live From  on the HAL board.  Interesting that he cruises a lot, but can tour on a low budget.  I suggest you go read his thread,  name in thread title is Hank.  He has visited or will visit many of your ports.  EM

• 4 months later...

Trinnyessex

Hi I’m interested in these threads re Japan . We are booked on the QE for April/May24 circumnavigating Japan . First time from UK to Japan and cruise. Is it easy enough travelling with luggage from cruise port into Tokyo after our cruise disembarks .  We have 3 days in Tokyo , and understand taxis are expensive . Happy doing trains if easy  enough . Thank you for any information . Will be appreciated. 

22 minutes ago, Trinnyessex said: Hi I’m interested in these threads re Japan . We are booked on the QE for April/May24 circumnavigating Japan . First time from UK to Japan and cruise. Is it easy enough travelling with luggage from cruise port into Tokyo after our cruise disembarks .  We have 3 days in Tokyo , and understand taxis are expensive . Happy doing trains if easy  enough . Thank you for any information . Will be appreciated. 

hi, on QM2 now and we were told that starting sometime in 2024 QE will be docking IN Tokyo rather than Yokohama. As I recall port is about 15 minute ride to ginza. So keep checking with Cunard. Perhaps u will be lucky and your cruise will dock in Tokyo rather than Yokohama. .   

taxis in Tokyo are expensive but much easier with luggage taxiing from dock directly to hotel. As I recall several years ago we paid around $75 taxi Yokohama main dock ( farther than daikoku where QE docks) to Sheraton in Minato-ku. Your hotel could probably give u an estimate if u contact concierge. 

otherwise u will need to walk or taxi to subway station, change in Yokohama station into tokyo, perhaps change subways again to your hotels local station, and walk or taxi to your hotel.   

Enjoy japan. It is a fascinating country and if u can squeeze in a few more days pre or post cruise, consider it.   

note, I took the QE circumnavigation in April 2023 and Cunard had complimentary shuttles in every port. There was even an unpublished shuttle from the big park in Yokohama to daikoku. Sorry forgot name of park but if h can find roll call for April 19,2023 QE circumnavigation, there is detailed info. 

We planned to take a train from Yokohama to Tokyo after our Apr Japan cruise, but ended up being unsure about finding a train that would also take our luggage.  I’m sure if we’d gone to the station an agent would have helped us sort it out but we decided to do the easy thing and took a taxi instead.  

Once in Tokyo, the subways and buses take you anywhere you need to go.  But it is an incredibly complex system and a navigation app is invaluable.  We found Google maps to be terrific - it even identifies the number of the exit to take at the destination.

2 hours ago, Trinnyessex said: Hi I’m interested in these threads re Japan . We are booked on the QE for April/May24 circumnavigating Japan . First time from UK to Japan and cruise. Is it easy enough travelling with luggage from cruise port into Tokyo after our cruise disembarks .  We have 3 days in Tokyo , and understand taxis are expensive . Happy doing trains if easy  enough . Thank you for any information . Will be appreciated. 

Trains in Japan are amazingly excellent, and train stations almost always have convenient ramps and lifts to enable wheeled/heavy luggage.   Trains from Yokohama to Tokyo are frequent, comparatively inexpensive, and extremely reliable.  Count on between 40-60 minutes for the trip, depending on where in Tokyo you are going.  Knowing a little Japanese is a plus, but there is also English signage.  The one complication, however, is that the trains also tend to be very crowded.  You can probably find space for yourselves plus one or two bags, but if you have a lot more then you might not fit easily.  It isn't just during "rush hour" - trains are busy at all times.  Carriages towards the front or rear tend to have slightly more space.  Platforms are clearly marked for where carriages and doors will stop.

I've done the reverse route - Tokyo Shinjuku station to Yokohama - for boarding QE

A great English or Japanese language web site to get train itineraries and times is at:

http://www.hyperdia.com/

I'm envious - Japan is a fantastic country to travel in.  Good luck! 

2 hours ago, MomentsNotice said: note, I took the QE circumnavigation in April 2023 and Cunard had complimentary shuttles in every port. There was even an unpublished shuttle from the big park in Yokohama to daikoku. Sorry forgot name of park but if h can find roll call for April 19,2023 QE circumnavigation, there is detailed info. 

When we were aboard QE in 2019, Cunard shuttles went from Yokohama Oshanbashi, adjacent to Nihon-Odori station, and were for excursion passengers only, not embarking/disembarking.  As @MomentsNotice indicated, for this recent 2023 season Cunard shuttles went to Yamashita Park, near the Motomachi-Chūkagai station, and were also usable for embarking/disembarking.  Trains run from both places to the main Yokohama station where you can change for trains to Tokyo on the JR Yokosuka Line or Keikyu Main Line Rapid.

Thanks everyone 👍  

11 hours ago, MomentsNotice said: hi, on QM2 now and we were told that starting sometime in 2024 QE will be docking IN Tokyo rather than Yokohama. As I recall port is about 15 minute ride to ginza. So keep checking with Cunard. Perhaps u will be lucky and your cruise will dock in Tokyo rather than Yokohama. .    taxis in Tokyo are expensive but much easier with luggage taxiing from dock directly to hotel. As I recall several years ago we paid around $75 taxi Yokohama main dock ( farther than daikoku where QE docks) to Sheraton in Minato-ku. Your hotel could probably give u an estimate if u contact concierge.  otherwise u will need to walk or taxi to subway station, change in Yokohama station into tokyo, perhaps change subways again to your hotels local station, and walk or taxi to your hotel.    Enjoy japan. It is a fascinating country and if u can squeeze in a few more days pre or post cruise, consider it.    note, I took the QE circumnavigation in April 2023 and Cunard had complimentary shuttles in every port. There was even an unpublished shuttle from the big park in Yokohama to daikoku. Sorry forgot name of park but if h can find roll call for April 19,2023 QE circumnavigation, there is detailed info. 

Hi that would be good . I have hotel booked for Tokyo 1 night at the start but thinking of changing this to Yokohama instead as easier after long flight in . 

2 hours ago, Trinnyessex said: Hi that would be good . I have hotel booked for Tokyo 1 night at the start but thinking of changing this to Yokohama instead as easier after long flight in . 

if QE leaving from Yokohama I agree Yokohama hotel would be easier and cheaper.   

from Narita easy to get to Yokohama with Narita express or cheaper airport limousine bus which stops at Yokohama bus terminal or several hotels.   

from haneda you can take train or check if airport limousine bus has started running again. 

23 hours ago, Trinnyessex said: Thanks everyone 👍  

You're very welcome.  Best wishes for a great voyage!

Something I forgot to mention before is that if you decide to do the trains, a good way to pay the appropriate fares is with a Japan Rail (JR) Suica card.  It's the JR version of a London Transport Oyster card, i.e., a prepaid stored-value card for all trains in the Tokyo area, both commuter trains and the metro.  You obtain Suica cards and load the card with a Japanese Yen balance at either JR ticket machines (that you can interact with in English) or in-person ticket offices at major stations and also at Haneda and Narita airports.  A special version of Suica, called Welcome Suica, is available to foreign tourists. Welcome Suica is valid for only four weeks and waives the usual Suica card issuance fee.  Like the London Oyster, you tap on/off with Suica at the ticket barriers and it automatically debits the correct fare, allowing for transfers.  It takes away quite a bit of the worry about whether you've bought the correct ticket.  Each person needs his/her own card.

The Japan metro version of Suica is called Pasmo.  It serves the same function, just issued by a separate rail operator.  Suica can be used a little more widely than Pasmo, but the difference is minor.

New Suica and Pasmo cards are temporarily in short supply due to a chip shortage, but I imagine that will have been cleared up by the time you are there next year.

Mrs. sfred and I easily took trains when we boarded QE for the voyage across to Alaska in 2019.  We had one large piece of luggage and two smaller carry-on sized bags.  We all did fit into the carriage, but only just.   I've been to Tokyo and Japan many times for work and can speak and read a little Japanese which helps, but there is enough English signage to get by without.

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Why Carnival Cruise Line’s Fleet Is About to Get Bigger

Carnival Cruise Line will absorb its sister brand P&O Cruises Australia and its ships next year.

Horacio Villalobos/GETTY IMAGES

Carnival Cruise Line will absorb its sister brand P&O Cruises Australia and its ships next year, growing its presence in the South Pacific.

The addition to Carnival’s fleet comes as parent company Carnival Corporation & plc makes plans to shut down the Australian cruise line in March 2025, according to the cruise company . Two of P&O Cruises Australia’s ships — the Pacific Encounter and the Pacific Adventure — will then be incorporated into the Carnival Cruise Line brand.

"Despite increasing Carnival Cruise Line's capacity… guest demand remains incredibly strong so we're leveraging our scale in an even more meaningful way by absorbing an entire brand into the world's most popular cruise line," Josh Weinstein, the chief executive officer of Carnival Corporation & plc, said in a statement, adding, “given the strategic reality of the South Pacific's small population and significantly higher operating and regulatory costs, we're adjusting our approach to give us the efficiencies we need to continue delivering an incredible cruise experience year-round to our guests in the region.”

When the merger is complete, Weinstein said Carnival Cruise Line will make up about 35 percent of the company's total global capacity. In addition to the new P&O Cruises Australia ships, Carnival will operate the Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa in the region .

P&O Cruises Australia currently operates three ships. The cruise line’s third ship, the Pacific Explorer , will be phased out of the fleet in February 2025.

Carnival Corporation said current P&O Cruises Australia sailings will operate as normal and guests will be notified of any changes to future bookings.

P&O Cruises, which is a company based in the United Kingdom, is not affected by this merger.

In addition to these cruise lines, Carnival Corporation operates AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn.

The decision to grow its presence in the South Pacific comes as Carnival is in the process of updating how it advertises cruise fares . Starting July 1, Carnival will include all government-mandated taxes, fees, and port expenses in the total advertised price thanks to a new California law requiring cruise lines to include those extra expenses in the advertised fare.

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