Carnival’s latest additions, Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, have not been making waves in the best way. These ships, once part of the P&O Australia brand, joined the Carnival fleet after P&O Australia was dissolved in early 2025. Despite the excitement surrounding their rebranding, the ships have not impressed UK cruise holidaygoers, as reflected in their low customer review scores.
Underwhelming Reviews
The reviews for these ships are less than stellar. In my comprehensive guide to Carnival ship reviews, I ranked each ship based on average scores from Cruise Critic, Cruiseline.com, and TripAdvisor. These platforms provide a balanced view, being some of the largest in the industry. Previously, Carnival Luminosa held the lowest average score at 3.2 out of 5. However, Carnival Encounter now averages 2.9, and Carnival Adventure fares worse at 2.16.
Limited Feedback, Clear Trends
It’s important to note that the number of reviews for these ships is still growing. Yet, there are enough to form a clear opinion. On Cruise Critic alone, Carnival Adventure has 10 reviews with an average score of just 1.5 out of 5. It relies on slightly better scores from Cruiseline.com and TripAdvisor to improve its overall rating.
Common Complaints
So, what are the main issues? A recurring theme in passenger feedback is the condition of the ships. Despite some updates, these vessels are over 20 years old, and it shows. Guests frequently mention maintenance problems like broken doors, faulty air conditioning, power outages, and non-functional elevators.
Food and Dining Woes
Dining experiences have also been a letdown. Many passengers describe the food as “average at best,” with some calling it “shocking” and “full of MSG.” The limited variety and long queues at the buffet add to the frustration. Booking a table at the restaurants during normal dinner times is reportedly challenging.
Staffing Struggles
Service levels have not escaped criticism either. Several reviewers noted painfully slow service, attributing it to understaffing. This has left many guests feeling that the ships are not adequately prepared to handle the number of passengers.
In conclusion, while Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter have potential, they currently fall short of expectations. As more reviews come in, it will be interesting to see if these ships can turn the tide and improve their standing among UK cruise enthusiasts.
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