Carnival Encounter

DINING

Carnival Encounter serves up an impressive mix of dining experiences, making every meal a highlight of your holiday. Formerly known as P&O Encounter, the ship continues to offer many guest favourites while introducing Carnival’s signature dining and hospitality.

Included dining venues cater to a wide range of tastes. Enjoy authentic Italian flavours at Angelo’s, savour Asian-inspired dishes at Dragon Lady, or settle into The Waterfront for relaxed breakfasts, lunches and dinners overlooking the ocean. The Pantry offers a casual marketplace-style experience with plenty of variety, while complimentary pizza and grab-and-go snacks are perfect between activities.

For something extra special, Luke’s Bar & Grill showcases modern Australian cuisine created by renowned chef Luke Mangan. Guests celebrating a special occasion can elevate their experience with the exclusive Chef’s Table, featuring a multi-course degustation paired with carefully selected wines.

Whether you’re travelling as a couple, family or group of friends, Carnival Encounter delivers dining options to suit every mood, appetite and occasion.

ENTERTAINMENT & THINGS TO DO

From the moment you step aboard, Carnival Encounter offers non-stop entertainment for guests of all ages. Days can be spent relaxing poolside, joining trivia competitions, enjoying live music, or taking part in interactive activities hosted throughout the ship.

Families will love the popular Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea, while younger cruisers can enjoy age-specific programs through Camp Ocean, Circle “C” and Club O2. These supervised clubs provide games, themed parties, arts and crafts, sports and social activities throughout the cruise.

Evenings bring a different energy on board. Spectacular Playlist Productions stage shows combine music, dance and impressive visual effects, while the Punchliner Comedy Club delivers plenty of laughs. Guests can also enjoy:

• Live music performances and tribute acts
• Dive-In Movies under the stars
• Piano bar singalongs
• Casino gaming
• Nightclubs and themed parties
• Bars and lounges serving cocktails and premium beverages

Guests familiar with P&O Cruises Pacific Encounter will appreciate the blend of much-loved experiences and Carnival’s energetic onboard atmosphere.

FAMILY FUN AT SEA

Carnival Encounter is one of Australia’s most family-friendly cruise ships, offering activities and facilities designed to keep everyone entertained from morning until night.

Kids can make new friends through dedicated youth programs, while parents enjoy some well-earned relaxation. Family-friendly dining, spacious accommodation options and a packed daily activity schedule make travelling together easy and enjoyable.

Highlights for families include:

• Camp Ocean kids club
• Circle “C” for tweens
• Club O2 for teens
• Family game shows and competitions
• Pool decks and outdoor activities
• Movies and live entertainment suitable for all ages

The ship strikes an excellent balance between family activities and adult-only spaces, allowing everyone to enjoy their holiday exactly how they want.

CABIN TYPES

Carnival Encounter offers a range of accommodation options to suit different travel styles and budgets.

• Interior Cabins – Comfortable and affordable, ideal for guests planning to spend most of their time enjoying the ship.
• Ocean View Cabins – Featuring windows or portholes that bring natural light and ocean views into your room.
• Balcony Cabins – A popular choice for Australian cruisers seeking private outdoor space and uninterrupted sea views.
• Suites – Spacious accommodation with added benefits including priority embarkation, larger living areas and premium amenities.

Guests researching the former PO Encounter accommodation options will find many familiar cabin layouts, enhanced by Carnival’s updated onboard experience.

IDEAL FOR

Carnival Encounter appeals to a broad range of travellers and is particularly well suited to:

• Families seeking school holiday cruises
• Couples looking for a relaxed getaway
• First-time cruisers wanting plenty of onboard entertainment
• Groups of friends celebrating special occasions
• Multi-generational family holidays
• Australian travellers seeking convenient departures

Its combination of family-friendly facilities, dining variety, entertainment and accessible itineraries makes it one of the most popular cruise ships sailing from Australia.

DESTINATIONS

Carnival Encounter offers a fantastic range of itineraries departing from Australia, taking guests to some of the region’s most sought-after cruise destinations.

Popular voyages explore the stunning South Pacific, including tropical favourites such as Noumea, Lifou, Port Vila and Mystery Island. Guests can also discover the beauty of Queensland’s coastline, including Airlie Beach and the Great Barrier Reef region.

Longer sailings venture further afield to destinations including Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Tonga, providing a perfect mix of relaxation, culture and adventure.

Whether you’re planning a short getaway or an extended tropical escape, Carnival Encounter offers itineraries to suit every type of cruiser.

WHAT MAKES CARNIVAL ENCOUNTER SPECIAL?

Carnival Encounter combines many of the experiences Australian cruisers loved about the former P&O Encounter with Carnival Cruise Line’s renowned fun-focused atmosphere.

Standout features include:

• Family-friendly onboard activities
• Multiple dining venues included in your fare
• Entertainment running throughout the day and night
• Dedicated youth clubs for children and teens
• Comfortable accommodation options for every budget
• Convenient departures from Australia

For guests searching for information about the former Encounter ship, Carnival Encounter continues to deliver memorable holidays while benefiting from Carnival’s global cruise expertise.

CARNIVAL ENCOUNTER TOP DESTINATIONS

Explore More Carnival Cruise Ships

• Carnival Adventure – Discover exciting family-friendly cruises and South Pacific adventures aboard Carnival’s newest Australian favourite.
• Carnival Splendor – Enjoy action-packed holidays featuring waterslides, entertainment and itineraries throughout Australia and the South Pacific.
• Carnival Spirit – A popular choice for longer voyages with spacious accommodation and diverse onboard experiences.
• Carnival Magic – Experience larger-ship cruising with extensive dining, entertainment and family facilities.
• Carnival Venezia – Combining Italian-inspired elegance with Carnival’s signature fun-filled atmosphere.
• Carnival Luminosa – A fantastic option for travellers seeking relaxed cruising and scenic itineraries.
• Carnival Luminosa Cruises 2026 – Browse upcoming sailings and secure your preferred departure date early.

FAQS ABOUT CARNIVAL ENCOUNTER

Is Carnival Encounter the same ship as P&O Encounter?
Yes. Carnival Encounter was formerly known as P&O Encounter and now operates as part of the Carnival Cruise Line fleet.

Is Carnival Encounter suitable for families?
Absolutely. With dedicated kids clubs, family entertainment, pools and flexible dining options, it is one of the best family cruise ships sailing from Australia.

What destinations does Carnival Encounter visit?
Itineraries commonly include Queensland, the South Pacific, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and other popular cruise destinations.

Are meals included on Carnival Encounter?
Yes. A wide range of dining venues are included in your cruise fare, with additional specialty restaurants available for an extra charge.

Can I view a Carnival Encounter deck plan before booking?
Yes. Reviewing a Encounter deck plan or the updated Carnival Encounter deck layouts can help you select the ideal cabin location before you sail.

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