Carnival Encounter
“Brisbane's year-round Carnival ship — freshly repainted and re-dined after a March 2026 dry dock.”
Carnival Encounter began life in 2002 as Princess Cruises' Star Princess, later sailing as P&O Australia's Pacific Encounter from 2020. She transferred to Carnival Cruise Line in March 2025 and completed her first full Carnival dry dock at Singapore's Sembcorp Marine shipyard from February 16 to March 5, 2026, emerging with the fleet's classic red-white-and-blue livery, the Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi Express, the new Carnival Topside Grill, a Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge, an expanded casino, and a refreshed Club O2 and WAREHOUSE arcade. She now sails year-round from Brisbane on 3- to 12-night Queensland coastal, Great Barrier Reef, and South Pacific voyages to destinations including Mystery Island, Port Vila, and Noumea.
The EDGE Adventure Park's zipline and Titanic-style bow walk, combined with being the first of the two ex-P&O sister ships to receive Carnival's full red-white-and-blue livery and signature dining lineup during her March 2026 dry dock.
What’s Onboard
Dining
- ✓Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse (added 2026)
- ✓Bonsai Sushi Express (added 2026)
- ✓Carnival Topside Grill (added 2026)
- ✓Angelo's and Waterfront Restaurant (rotational dining)
- ✓Dragon Lady for Asian-inspired dishes
- ✓The Pantry buffet
Pools & Recreation
- ✓EDGE Adventure Park with zipline, rock climbing, and bridge walk
- ✓Four pools and waterslides
- ✓Titanic-style bow walk experience (fee)
- ✓Spa and fitness centre
- ✓Whirlpools throughout the pool deck
- ✓Jogging track
Entertainment
- ✓Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge (added 2026)
- ✓Expanded casino (added 2026)
- ✓Marquee Theatre production shows, including Blanc de Blanc Uncorked
- ✓Live music and comedy venues
- ✓Multiple bars and lounges across Decks 5 and 7
- ✓Duty-free shopping
Cabins
- ✓Interior, Oceanview, Balcony, and Suite categories
- ✓72% of cabins feature outside views
- ✓55% of cabins include private balconies
- ✓Family-friendly connecting cabins
- ✓Mini-suites with extended balconies
- ✓1,300 staterooms in total
Family & Kids
- ✓Camp Ocean kids' club
- ✓Refreshed Club O2 and WAREHOUSE arcade for teens (added 2026)
- ✓EDGE Adventure Park activities for older kids and teens
- ✓Family-friendly Great Barrier Reef and South Pacific excursions
- ✓Connecting stateroom options
- ✓Short Queensland coastal getaways for first cruises
Video Tour
Carnival Encounter FULL Tour 2026 | Post Dry Dock Updates + Full Walkthrough
- ✦Brisbane-based cruisers wanting South Pacific and Great Barrier Reef itineraries
- ✦Families looking for the EDGE Adventure Park's zipline and rock climbing
- ✦Steakhouse and sushi fans (Fahrenheit 555, Bonsai Sushi Express)
- ✦Military families and veterans (Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge)
Cruisers wanting one of Carnival's newest-built ships — Encounter is a 2002-built ex-Princess vessel, extensively refreshed in 2026 but not a new build.
3- to 4-night Queensland coastal from ~$400 AUD/pp (inside); 9- to 12-night South Pacific from ~$1,400 AUD/pp (inside)