Almost 6,000 guests have descended on Melbourne for Cup Week aboard Carnival Adventure andCarnival Splendor, effectively adding two floating hotels to the city during one of its busiest tourism weeks of the year.

The dedicated Melbourne Cup cruises departed Sydney on the weekend, bringing thousands of interstate visitors to Melbourne without placing further pressure on heavily booked hotels.

With accommodation, dining, entertainment and transport to Flemington on Cup Day all included, the sailings offer an exciting holiday option for couples, groups of friends and first-time cruisers seeking a great-value and convenient way to experience one of Melbourne’s most iconic sporting events.

Carnival Adventure and Carnival Splendor will spend three days each at Melbourne’s Station Pier, providing a significant boost to the city’s economy with these interstate visitors enjoying shopping, dining and sightseeing.

Carnival Cruise Line Assistant Vice President Anton Loeb said Melbourne Cup Cruises from Sydney offered a great-value way to be part of Cup Week.

“When you consider the cost of flights from Sydney and accommodation in Melbourne, it’s a really affordable, fun way to experience one of the most exciting weeks in the sporting calendar,” Anton said.

With fares starting from around $250 per person per day, bookings are now open for the Melbourne Cup cruises from Sydney in 2027 and 2028.

Carnival Adventure will return to Melbourne in March 2027 for a short homeport season, giving Victorians the opportunity to take a cruise from home.