Carnival Cruises

Carnival Encounter

Carnival Encounter (formerly P&O's Pacific Encounter) sails year-round from Brisbane and is perfect for families, couples and groups of friends who want to lean into both fun and relaxation on their holiday. Guests can expect the perfect blend between everyone’s interests with kids clubs, teen-friendly hangout spaces, an adult-only retreat, dining that ranges from casual to connoisseur, and entertainment for all ages.
Ship Type
Large Cruise Ship
Passengers
2,636
Crew
1,100
Launched
2001
Refurbished
2024

Carnival Encounter Reviews (3) 3 reviews of Carnival Encounter from past clients of Global Journeys

3.7
Average Rating 3.7 / 5
3 Reviews
5 Star
4 Star
67%
3 Star
33%
2 Star
1 Star
6 nights, just not long enough 1 Barrier Reef Discovery Cruise , New Zealand, Nov 2025
First time cruising with Carnival and it was really enjoyable. Probably the only drawback for us is that you need to pay for loads of extras - $6 bottles of water in the cabin, people walking around with shots, and many different various upsell of food and entertainment, however apart form that things were really good. The bed and pillows were good, read more the options for different drinks and food were fantastic, and staff were friendly. Check out The Bonding Store - the best bar for amazing cocktails!
80's Cruise on Carnival 2 , TAS, Australia, Mar 2025
The trip for my birthday was great fun, and we had good weather. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The cabin had comfy beds, pillows and hot showers. There was a nice selection of food and restaurants. However the new computer system and lack of staff meant long queues to wait for service, which was frustrating. Carnival could have made more read more money if they had a better system. Waiting an hour for soup and 45 minutes for a bottle of wine is not satisfactory. There was very little service at the pool area for drinks. The entertainment was good but not enough of it. It was a 1980's cruise and the DJ was playing rap music, and the competition prizes were very miserable. Embark and disembark was good, speedy and had good information.
Great 1st Cruise 0 , QLD, Australia, Jan 2025
Despite the fact that there was LOTS of rain and our tour of Airlie Beach was cancelled because of it, the cruise was wonderful. Tracey was incredible and went above and beyond to ensure we had the best experience we could possibly have for our 40th anniversary. Looking forward to the next cruise in October, also on the Encounter, also organised by read more Tracey. Thank you Global Journeys, P&O and Carnival.

Life On Board Carnival Encounter What can you expect when cruising on board Carnival Encounter

Carnival Encounter
Carnival Encounter

Carnival's second, Grand Class ship blends cherished features with new attractions, including the exclusive Byron Beach Club for suite guests. Read more

Something for Everyone!
Something for Everyone!

There's something for every member of the family, with many exciting experiences included in your fare, you can try it all again, and again. Read more

Onboard Activities
Onboard Activities

Try out one of the many adventure activities, launch yourself down a waterslide or perhaps Barefoot Bowls is your cup of tea? Read more

Nightlife
Nightlife

Live music, bars and exciting and exclusive shows been especially designed for P&O Cruises. Read more

Dining
Dining

Three stylish, a la carte restaurants and nine casual eateries are included in your cruise fare. Read more

Byron Beach Club
Byron Beach Club

Looking to kick back while you cruise? The luxurious Byron Beach Club is the place to be. Read more

Deck Plans

4A
Interior
6A
Oceanview
6B
Oceanview
Deck 5
Deck 6
Deck 7
4B
Interior
5A
Oceanview (Obstructed View)
8A
Balcony
VB
Byron Beach Vista Suite
OS
Ocean Suite
Deck 8
4C
Interior
4H
Interior
VB
Byron Beach Vista Suite
BY
Byron Beach Ocean Suite
OS
Ocean Suite
OT
Ocean Suite
Deck 9
4D
Interior
4E
Interior
8A
Balcony
8B
Balcony
8M
Balcony (Aft-View Extended Balcony)
EB
Byron Beach Extended Balcony Suite
GB
Byron Beach Grand Suite
Deck 10
4E
Interior
4F
Interior
8B
Balcony
8C
Balcony
EB
Byron Beach Extended Balcony Suite
GB
Byron Beach Grand Suite
SB
Byron Beach Presidential Suite
Deck 11
4F
Interior
4G
Interior
PT
Oceanview (Porthole)
8C
Balcony
8D
Balcony
Deck 12
4G
Interior
8D
Balcony
Deck 14
Deck 15
Deck 16

Cabins

Carnival Encounter Interior
Interior
Cabin Type: Inside

Wake up with your loved ones! Equipped with everything you need, it's the perfect sanctuary after a full day of adventure on deck and ashore. Room images are for illustration purposes only. Includes ensuite bathroom, wardrobe read more and dressing area, Flat-screen TV, personally-controlled air con, in-room safe, desk & chair. Room serviced twice daily, room service (costs apply), fresh towels each day (on request) & hairdryer.

Carnival Encounter Oceanview
Oceanview
Cabin Type: Oceanview

Oceanview rooms feature a window so you can let that natural light stream in. Welcome to your cosy sanctuary, equipped with everything you need. The perfect sanctuary after a full day of adventure on deck and ashore. Room read more images are for illustration purposes only. Includes ensuite bathroom, wardrobe and dressing area, Flat-screen TV, personally-controlled air con, in-room safe, desk & chair. Room serviced twice daily, room service (costs apply), fresh towels each day (on request) & hairdryer.

Carnival Encounter Oceanview (Obstructed View)
Oceanview (Obstructed View)
Cabin Type: Oceanview

Oceanview rooms feature a window so you can let that natural light stream in but view is obstructed. The perfect sanctuary after a full day of adventure on deck and ashore. Room images are for illustration purposes only. read more Includes ensuite bathroom, wardrobe and dressing area, Flat-screen TV, personally-controlled air con, in-room safe, desk & chair. Room serviced twice daily, room service (costs apply), fresh towels each day (on request) & hairdryer.

Carnival Encounter Oceanview (Porthole)
Oceanview (Porthole)
Cabin Type: Oceanview

Theses Oceanview rooms feature a porthole so you can let that natural light stream in. Welcome to your cosy sanctuary, equipped with everything you need. The perfect sanctuary after a full day of adventure on deck and ashore. read more Room images are for illustration purposes only. Includes ensuite bathroom, wardrobe and dressing area, Flat-screen TV, personally-controlled air con, in-room safe, desk & chair. Room serviced twice daily, room service (costs apply), fresh towels each day (on request) & hairdryer.

Carnival Encounter Balcony
Balcony
Cabin Type: Balcony

Open your doors and let the outside in! Make the most of your time at sea with your own private Balcony Room and enjoy all the beauty of living on the ocean. Room images are for illustration purposes only. Includes private read more balcony with outdoor furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows, ensuite bathroom, wardrobe and dressing area, Flat-screen TV, personally-controlled air con, fridge, in-room safe, desk & chair. Room serviced twice daily, room service (costs apply), fresh towels each day (on request) & hairdryer.

Carnival Encounter Balcony (Aft-View Extended Balcony)
Balcony (Aft-View Extended Balcony)
Cabin Type: Balcony

Aft-View Extended Balcony staterooms feature a larger balcony for more lounge-around room, plus these rooms face backward (most balconies face left or right), so you’ll get a unique view of your ship's gentle wake. Room images read more are for illustration purposes only. Includes private balcony with outdoor furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows, ensuite bathroom, wardrobe and dressing area, Flat-screen TV, personally-controlled air con, fridge, in-room safe, desk & chair. Room serviced twice daily, room service (costs apply), fresh towels each day (on request) & hairdryer.

Carnival Encounter Byron Beach Vista Suite
Byron Beach Vista Suite
Cabin Type: Suite

A Byron Beach Vista Suite offers more space for stretching out indoors, plus a large balcony for lounging with a bit of breeze. Enjoy a sitting area, plus get conveniences like a walk-in closet and a deluxe bathroom with read more a tub. And don't forget, your suite includes access to the Byron Beach Club and more exclusive perks!

Byron Beach suite privileges include immediate access to your suite after boarding, exclusive breakfast at Angelo’s, optional complimentary continental breakfast served in-suite, an in-suite coffee machine, and Byron Beach Club bathrobes and slippers for use during the cruise.

All suite guests benefit from priority check-in and boarding, priority dinner reservations at most specialty restaurants, and priority debarkation at the homeport and qualifying ports of call. Additional amenities include complimentary wash and fold laundry service (one bag per cruise), two large bottles of water, a pillow-top mattress, curated bath products, and plush bathrobes for a premium onboard experience.

Carnival Encounter Byron Beach Grand Suite
Byron Beach Grand Suite
Cabin Type: Suite

A Byron Beach Grand Suite features a large balcony and even more space than a standard suite. There's also a spacious sitting area, walk-in closet and bathroom with a shower and separate tub. And don't forget, your suite read more includes access to the Byron Beach Club and more exclusive perks!

Byron Beach suite privileges include immediate access to your suite after boarding, exclusive breakfast at Angelo’s, optional complimentary continental breakfast served in-suite, an in-suite coffee machine, and Byron Beach Club bathrobes and slippers for use during the cruise.

All suite guests benefit from priority check-in and boarding, priority dinner reservations at most specialty restaurants, and priority debarkation at the homeport and qualifying ports of call. Additional amenities include complimentary wash and fold laundry service (one bag per cruise), two large bottles of water, a pillow-top mattress, curated bath products, and plush bathrobes for a premium onboard experience.

Carnival Encounter Byron Beach Extended Balcony Suite
Byron Beach Extended Balcony Suite
Cabin Type: Suite

A Byron Beach Extended Balcony Suite puts its proudest perk right in the name. (Feel that breeze!) Inside you'll also find a sitting area, walk-in closet and deluxe bathroom with a tub. And don't forget, your suite includes read more access to the Byron Beach Club and more exclusive perks!

Byron Beach suite privileges include immediate access to your suite after boarding, exclusive breakfast at Angelo’s, optional complimentary continental breakfast served in-suite, an in-suite coffee machine, and Byron Beach Club bathrobes and slippers for use during the cruise.

All suite guests benefit from priority check-in and boarding, priority dinner reservations at most specialty restaurants, and priority debarkation at the homeport and qualifying ports of call. Additional amenities include complimentary wash and fold laundry service (one bag per cruise), two large bottles of water, a pillow-top mattress, curated bath products, and plush bathrobes for a premium onboard experience.

Carnival Encounter Ocean Suite
Ocean Suite
Cabin Type: Suite

An Ocean Suite offers more space for stretching out indoors, plus a large balcony for kicking back outdoors. Experience private, spacious relaxation… and a deluxe bathroom with a tub! All suites also include priority check-in read more and boarding, priority dinner reservations at most specialty restaurants, and priority debarkation at the homeport, and ports of call requiring a water shuttle or with arrival times later than 9:30am. Additional amenities include complimentary wash and fold laundry service (one bag per cruise), two large bottles of water, a pillow-top mattress, curated bath products and plush bathrobes.

Carnival Encounter Byron Beach Ocean Suite
Byron Beach Ocean Suite
Cabin Type: Suite

A Byron Beach Ocean Suite features unique décor and offers more space for stretching out indoors, plus a large balcony for lounging with a bit of breeze. Experience private, spacious relaxation… and a deluxe bathroom with read more a tub. And don't forget, your suite includes access to the Byron Beach Club and more exclusive perks!

Byron Beach suite privileges include immediate access to your suite after boarding, exclusive breakfast at Angelo’s, optional complimentary continental breakfast served in-suite, an in-suite coffee machine, and Byron Beach Club bathrobes and slippers for use during the cruise.

All suite guests benefit from priority check-in and boarding, priority dinner reservations at most specialty restaurants, and priority debarkation at the homeport and qualifying ports of call. Additional amenities include complimentary wash and fold laundry service (one bag per cruise), two large bottles of water, a pillow-top mattress, curated bath products, and plush bathrobes for a premium onboard experience.

Carnival Encounter Byron Beach Presidential Suite
Byron Beach Presidential Suite
Cabin Type: Suite

The Byron Beach Presidential Suite is the most luxurious accommodation on the ship, with only one available—making early booking essential. This apartment-style suite features an aft-facing balcony, a separate living room read more and dining area, and enhanced bathroom amenities, including a large shower and a separate toilet room with a second sink. Guests enjoy exclusive perks such as a welcome treat with wine, complimentary room service (beverages at regular bar prices), a complimentary minibar stocked with water and soft drinks, and complimentary wash and fold laundry service.

In addition to these, all Byron Beach Suites include access to the Byron Beach Club, immediate suite access after boarding, exclusive breakfast at Angelo’s, the option of complimentary continental breakfast served in-suite, an in-suite coffee machine, and Byron Beach Club bathrobes and slippers for use during the cruise.

Suite guests also benefit from priority check-in, boarding, and dinner reservations at most specialty restaurants, as well as priority debarkation at the homeport and qualifying ports of call. Other suite inclusions are complimentary laundry (one bag per cruise), two large bottles of water, a pillow-top mattress, curated bath products, and plush bathrobes for a truly premium experience.

Carnival Encounter Cruise Schedule All 0 cruise sailings by departure date on board Carnival Encounter

There currently no scheduled departures on board Carnival Encounter.
Cruise Content
Cabin images are sourced from Carnival Cruises. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on sailing dates.