Carnival Study Shows Halloween Popularity Soaring in Australia
Carnival Cruise Line has revealed that Halloween is rapidly gaining traction in Australia, with 58 percent of households now celebrating the spooky holiday, according to a new study released by the company.
To embrace the growing enthusiasm, Carnival will transform all of its October sailings from Sydney and Brisbane into full-scale Halloween celebrations. Each cruise will feature themed decorations, activities, and entertainment designed to bring the spirit of Halloween to sea.
Among the highlights are:
- Costume contests
- Halloween-themed trivia
- Trick-or-treating for kids and adults
- Age-appropriate parties
- Special guest appearances
- Family-friendly surprises throughout the voyage
Halloween sailings are priced from $444 per person, based on twin-share accommodation in an interior cabin on a three-day Getaway departing in October 2026.
Carnival’s study also shows that the number of Australians celebrating Halloween has more than doubled since childhood - rising from 29 percent who remember marking the occasion as kids, to 58 percent now. A further 5 percent plan to join the festivities for the first time this year.
The research indicates that Halloween has evolved into a cross-generational event, with 74 percent of parents taking part and 53 percent of child-free adults also celebrating. The trend is led by younger generations - 75 percent of Millennials and 71 percent of Gen Zs say they enjoy the holiday.
Overall, two-thirds (66 percent) of Australians believe Halloween has become a major cultural event in recent years, fueled by the rise in themed experiences, decorations, and community activities.
The most common traditions include indulging in sweets (35 percent), trick-or-treating (32 percent), decorating homes (27 percent), and wearing costumes (27 percent).
Australians are also spending more on Halloween than ever before, with households expecting to spend an average of $970 on celebrations this year. Nearly one in three (30 percent) say they plan to spend more than in previous years.
The study also revealed growing interest in themed travel, with 33 percent of Australians saying they would enjoy a Halloween cruise, and 26 percent noting that a Halloween-inspired holiday would motivate them to book a trip.