CARNIVAL’S ‘GRINCHMAS IN JULY’ RETURNS BIGGER, BETTER AND GREENER THAN EVER IN 2025

Grinchmas in July

Carnival’s beloved Grinchmas in July sailings are making a grand return to Australia this winter, bringing more festive fun than ever before. For the first time, the halls will be decked onboard the new Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, while Carnival Splendor celebrates its third consecutive year of Grinchy holiday FUN.

In a first for Queensland, Carnival Encounter—now homeported year-round in Brisbane—will host four special Grinchmas in July sailings. Meanwhile, Christmas-loving cruisers in New South Wales will have even more opportunities to get in on the fun, with Carnival Splendor and Carnival Adventure offering six festive departures from Sydney this July.

Bringing the best of Christmas in July traditions to sea, these Grinch-themed cruises let Aussie guests experience the joy of a wintery Christmas—Carnival style.

Across ten themed sailings from two Australian ports, the ships will be transformed into magical winter wonderlands, complete with towering Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and shimmering baubles. Guests can sip on Christmas-themed beverages, indulge in special festive dining, and even experience a dusting of winter “snow” in the atrium.

Adding to the holiday spirit, guests will have the chance to meet the Grinch himself—along with a few surprise visitors. Onboard festivities include the much-loved Ugly Christmas Sweater Competition, a dazzling Holiday Show, carolling, a Grinchmas deck party with an all-green dress code, themed games and scavenger hunts, and plenty of festive treats any Who would love.

The sailings are part of Carnival’s long-standing partnership with Dr. Seuss, featuring ‘Seuss at Sea’ favourites such as the Thing 1 & Thing 2 Birthday Breakfast, Seussapalooza™ Parade and Story Time. The Grinchmas in July celebrations come on top of the 45+ activities guests already enjoy on a Carnival cruise, ensuring non-stop FUN for the whole family.

“Due to overwhelming demand over the past two winters, we’re thrilled to bring back our Grinchmas in July sailings in 2025—this time spreading even more holiday cheer across all three ships,” said Carnival Cruise Line VP Kara Glamore.

“As part of our incredible decade-long partnership with Dr Seuss, we love bringing the wintery Christmas fun to our Aussie guests. Carnival Splendor, Adventure, and Encounter are the only ships in the world to offer this FUN festive experience for the whole family at sea.”

“We are delighted to continue our valued partnership with Carnival Cruise Line as Grinchmas in July returns to Australia,” Susan Brandt, CEO of Dr. Seuss Enterprises added. “These themed sailings offer families an extraordinary opportunity to experience the world of Dr. Seuss in an immersive, festive environment—combining cherished holiday traditions with the wonder of storytelling at sea.”

Carnival’s Grinchmas in July sailings depart from Sydney and Brisbane starting from 1 July 2025 and are available to book now. The full list of sailings includes:

 

From Sydney return:

• Tuesday 1 July & Monday 14 July | 4-night Moreton Island on Carnival Adventure
• Thursday 3 July & Wednesday 16 July | 4-night Moreton Island on Carnival Splendor
• Saturday 5 July | 9-night South Pacific on Carnival Adventure
• Monday 7 July | 9-night South Pacific on Carnival Splendor

 

From Brisbane return:

• Saturday 5 July | 7-night Great Barrier Reef on Carnival Encounter
• Saturday 12 July | 3-night Comedy Cruise on Carnival Encounter
• Tuesday 15 July | 4-night Airlie Beach on Carnival Encounter
• Saturday 19 July | 7-night Great Barrier Reef on Carnival Encounter

 

Fares for Carnival Cruise Line’s Grinchmas in July 2025 sailings start from $560* per person twin share interior.

For more information on Carnival Cruise Line and bookings call 13 31 94, see your travel agent or visit carnival.com.au.

*Fare based on 3-night sailing, departing Brisbane on 12 July 2025 and subject to change.