Carnival Drops Conflict Islands Stop on Brisbane Cruises After Sale
The change highlights how South Pacific cruising relies on privately owned island access, where a shift in ownership can quickly redraw routes and reshape guest expectations.
Carnival Cruise Line is removing planned visits to the Conflict Islands in Papua New Guinea from select South Pacific itineraries out of Brisbane after being told the destination has been sold and will no longer accept cruise ship calls.
The change affects ten-night roundtrip voyages on Carnival Encounter scheduled across 2026, 2027 and 2028. Carnival had six visits to the Conflict Islands on its schedule through 2028, including two calls in 2026, but the cruise line says it now has to revise those itineraries and confirm replacement plans.
What Carnival has told booked guests so far
In a message sent to passengers, Carnival said it had been advised the Conflict Islands “has been sold to a new owner and will no longer be available for cruise ship visits.” As a result, Carnival Encounter will not be able to visit the islands as previously scheduled during the 2026 to 2028 period.
Carnival has not yet announced which port or ports will replace the Conflict Islands call. The company told guests it is evaluating alternatives and expects to provide an update in January 2026 once arrangements are finalized. For now, the confirmed change is that the Conflict Islands stop is being removed, and Carnival has not outlined whether the revised schedules will include a substitute destination or additional time in existing ports.
Which South Pacific sailings are impacted
The affected voyages are ten-night sailings from Brisbane aboard Carnival Encounter that also include other Papua New Guinea stops such as Alotau, Kiriwina Island and Rabaul. Carnival’s previously published schedules included Conflict Islands calls on June 16 and Aug. 2, 2026, as well as additional sailings in 2027 and 2028.
Why the Conflict Islands stop stood out for guests
Carnival and passengers have described the Conflict Islands as a popular, remote destination, known for unspoiled scenery, clear waters and snorkeling opportunities. The removal has prompted disappointment from some cruisers who viewed the stop as a highlight, while others have expressed hope that Carnival will be able to secure an alternative that fits the itinerary.
John Heald calls the change unexpected
Carnival Cruise Line ambassador John Heald addressed the itinerary adjustment in a Facebook video, framing the update as a surprise. “I didn’t know islands moved around like that,” Heald said, referring to the sale and the resulting loss of access for cruise calls.
Heald also emphasized that the decision is tied to the new ownership’s policy, saying, “The new owners do not want the cruise ships there.” In separate comments, he described the development as “very sad” for Carnival and its guests, and said the cruise line is working on updated itineraries and expects to share news in early 2026.
How the change fits into Carnival’s Australia deployment
Carnival Encounter, a ship built in 2002, operates from Brisbane on itineraries that generally range from about three to 15 nights, calling in Australia, the South Pacific and Southeast Asia. Carnival’s Australia-based lineup also includes Carnival Splendor and Carnival Adventure, with Carnival Luminosa sailing in the region seasonally.
The Conflict Islands update comes after another recent disruption in Carnival’s Australia program. Earlier this year, the company cancelled a series of cruises from Australia onboard Carnival Adventure, citing a short-term change in itinerary plans.
Other cruise lines had future calls on the books
Carnival Encounter was the only Carnival ship scheduled to visit the Conflict Islands during the 2026 to 2028 window, but other brands still show planned calls to the destination in that timeframe, including Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and Seabourn. Carnival has not said how, or whether, those itineraries will be affected.
For Carnival guests booked on the impacted Brisbane sailings, the next key date is January 2026, when the cruise line says it expects to share revised itineraries once replacement arrangements are finalized.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which Carnival sailings are affected by the Conflict Islands change?
The change applies to ten-night South Pacific roundtrips from Brisbane on Carnival Encounter, impacting six planned calls to the Conflict Islands across 2026, 2027 and 2028. Previously scheduled 2026 calls included the June 16 and Aug. 2, 2026 departures, with additional sailings in 2027 and 2028.
Why is Carnival no longer visiting the Conflict Islands?
Carnival told booked guests the destination “has been sold to a new owner and will no longer be available for cruise ship visits.” John Heald also said, “The new owners do not want the cruise ships there.”
When will Carnival announce a replacement port or itinerary update?
Carnival said it is evaluating alternatives and plans to provide an update to guests in January 2026 once arrangements are finalized.
Are other cruise lines affected by the Conflict Islands sale?
Other cruise brands have had future calls scheduled to the Conflict Islands between 2026 and 2028, including Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and Seabourn, though Carnival said the confirmed impact so far is the removal of the call from Carnival Encounter’s Brisbane itineraries.
