Spooky season is making waves this Halloween, and Carnival Cruise Line is giving families a frightfully fun new way to embrace one of Australia’s fastest growing seasonal celebrations.
This week, Carnival Cruise Line hosted a special Halloween-themed event onboard Carnival Encounter in Brisbane, giving local families a taste of the fang-tastic fun available across the fleet throughout the whole month of October.
Guests enjoyed a day packed with Halloween-themed activities, including a trick-or-treat scavenger hunt and a special Thriller dance class led by Carnival Playlist Productions performers. From little monsters to grown-up ghouls, the event showcased the frightfully fun experiences families can enjoy onboard.
Halloween has become a celebration that Aussies are embracing in bigger and bolder ways than ever before. Research from the Australia Retail Council and Roy Morgan found one in five Australians plan to celebrate Halloween in 2026, with spending tipped to hit a record $510 million.
With families increasingly seeking memorable experiences they can enjoy together, Carnival’s ‘Frightfully Fun’ Halloween sailings from Sydney and Brisbane offer a unique way to celebrate, combining spooky surprises, family entertainment and unforgettable holiday moments all in one place.
Halloween enthusiast and Brisbane local Kerry Forsythe, who attended the special onboard event, has witnessed first-hand the growing popularity of Halloween celebrations in Australia.
“I’ve been celebrating Halloween for more than a decade and every year it seems to get bigger and bigger. What started with decorating my house and welcoming trick-or-treaters has grown into something our whole family and local community looks forward to in a big way.”
“A Halloween cruise is such a great way to give spooky season a try for the first time, with all the decorating and activities handled for you. Just pack your costume and you’re good to go!”
Carnival Cruise Line Assistant Vice President Anton Loeb said a Halloween cruise is perfect for first time cruisers.
“We’re seeing growing demand for experiences that bring family and friends together in fun and memorable ways,” Anton said.
“Carnival is all about helping guests make memories they’ll talk about long after their holiday ends, which is why we love hosting our annual Halloween celebrations throughout the month of October on our ships that sail from Sydney and Brisbane all year.”
As Halloween continues its rise from a niche celebration to one of Australia’s favourite seasonal occasions, Carnival Cruise Line is helping families swap neighbourhood streets for the high seas. With spooky décor, themed entertainment, costume competitions, trick-or-treat adventures and Carnival’s signature FUN at every turn, Halloween has never looked so ship-shape.
Guests can now book Frightfully Fun Halloween cruises from Sydney and Brisbane for 2027 and 2028, available throughout the month of October.
