From Whoville To Hull: Carnival And The Grinch Spread Christmas In July Cheer For Schf Patients

Anchors aweigh for a Grinchy display onboard Carnival Splendor, where a July Monday felt just like Christmas Day!

SYDNEY, 7 July 2025 – Buoy oh buoy, it’s Grinchmas in July! Today, Carnival Cruise Line decked the hulls and brought mid-year holiday cheer to families supported by Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (SCHF). The day of festive FUN in Sydney Harbour featured highlights from Carnival’s much–loved Grinchmas in July cruise experience – complete with games, activities, and a visit from The Grinch himself.

Onboard Carnival Splendor, guests gathered for the magical lighting of the towering Christmas tree, complete with a flurry of festive ‘snow’. The air was filled with joyful carols as families took part in Grinchmas games and crafts, enjoyed a special storytime reading of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and met beloved Dr. Seuss characters – including The Grinch, Thing 1 & Thing 2, and The Cat in the Hat. The celebration was topped off with a delicious spread of Grinchmas-inspired food and drinks, leaving spirits merry and bright.

Carnival Cruise Line is thrilled to announce the return of Grinchmas in July in 2026, with four sailings per ship aboard Carnival Splendor, Carnival Adventure, and Carnival Encounter. These celebrations bring together Carnival’s long-standing partnerships with Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation and Dr. Seuss Enterprises.

With 107 voyages and 350,000 guests sailing from Sydney in 2025, it will be the biggest year yet for Carnival’s partnership with SCHF. Two ships now sail from Sydney year-round – Carnival Splendor and, since April, Carnival Adventure – and the Conga for Kids deck party now takes place on every voyage, including weekend getaways, offering more opportunities for guests to give back. Since 2016, Carnival guests have raised nearly half a million dollars to help provide world-class healthcare to 167,000 kids each year across the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network.

“It’s a privilege to welcome families supported by Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation onboard for this special Grinchmas celebration,” said Anton Loeb, Senior Director Sales and Marketing Carnival Cruise Line. “With two ships now sailing from Sydney year-round, we’re able to double the impact for the deserving families of SCHF and double the fun for our guests. We look forward to continuing this joyful tradition in July 2026.”

“We’re incredibly grateful for Carnival Cruise Line’s unwavering support and the joy they bring to our SCHF families,” said Rhiahne Ralph, Director of Corporate Giving & Signature Events at Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation.

“Grinchmas in July isn’t just a day of festive fun – it’s a reminder of the powerful impact generosity can have on sick kids and their families. Every dollar raised through our partnership helps us fund ground-breaking research, vital equipment and world-class care across the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network – changing lives and changing the future for children in hospital.”

Carnival’s Grinchmas in July sailings depart from Sydney and Brisbane starting from 2 July 2026 and are available to book now.

The full list of sailings includes:

From Sydney return:

Thursday 2 July 2026 & Wed 15 July 2026 | 4-night Moreton Island on Carnival Adventure
Friday 3 July 2026 & Thursday 16 July 2026 | 3-night Getaway on Carnival Splendor
Monday 6 July 2026 | 9-night South Pacific on Carnival Adventure
Monday 6 July 2026 | 10-night South Pacific on Carnival Splendor
Sunday 19 July 2026 | 10-night South Pacific on Carnival Adventure
Sunday 19 July 2026 | 12-night South Pacific on Carnival Splendor

From Brisbane return:

Saturday 4 July 2026 | 7-night Great Barrier Reef on Carnival Encounter
Saturday 11 July 2026 | 3-night Getaway on Carnival Encounter
Tuesday 14 July 2026 | 4-night Airlie Beach on Carnival Encounter
Saturday 18 July 2026 | 8-night South Pacific on Carnival Encounter

Fares for Carnival Cruise Line’s Grinchmas in July 2026 sailings start from $489* 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 11 July 2026 and subject to change.