Exciting News! P&O Cruises has joined the Carnival family. Enjoy the same incredible experiences with even more destinations, ships, and exclusive perks!

Carnival Encounter offers Queensland cruisers the perfect blend of family fun in the sun and a grown-up good time. Carrying 2,600 passengers, it has all the classic Australian style, airy spaces and stylish décor.

Challenge the kids on the exciting Twin Racer Waterslides, twisting out over the ocean from Deck 16. The popular Edge Adventure Park is the place for thrills and spills, with rock climbing, flying fox, zip line, walk the plank and lots more. There’s more fun to be had inside under the neon glow of the Level Up Arcade. 

While the children are having fun in the kid’s clubs (with age-specific options from toddlers to teens) the adults can escape to The Oasis. Think of it as the calmest spot on the ocean, a child-free oasis with a pool, plenty of sun lounges and a cocktail bar. The indulgent spa offers everything from massages to manicures or you can sweat it out in an exclusive F45 fitness class. 

When the sun goes down, the ship comes alive with lively themed parties, showstopping performances in Marquee and glamorous cabaret shows in Black Circus. Enjoy laid-back live music, have a few laughs in the comedy club or watch a movie under the stars on the big screen.  

The delicious dining options come with a distinctly Australian twist, like the food court-style The Pantry (which replaces the classic cruise buffet) and the elegant Luke’s Bar & Grill from local celebrity chef Luke Mangan. Waterfront Restaurant is the main dining room, serving up cutting edge cuisine for breakfast and dinner, Dragon Lady presents delectable Asian fusion, and the Trattoria is the place for rustic Italian fare and freshly-made pizzas. 

Choose a budget-friendly interior room or enjoy the sea breeze with a balcony cabin. All guests travelling in suites (and select mini-suites) have access to the exclusive Byron Beach Club, a private area at the front of the top deck with a swimming pool, spas and panoramic views. In your room, you’ll also enjoy extras like breakfast at Angelo’s restaurant, branded flip flops and robe, and priority access. 

Homeported in Brisbane, Pacific Encounter sails year-round, taking passengers along the Australian coast and to the Whitsunday Islands, as well as international sailings to New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific. 

Food & Drink 

• Waterfront Restaurant – the main dining room serving cruise classics for breakfast and dinner every day and lunch most days. 
• The Pantry – Carnival’s innovative food court concept with food from around the world. 
• Angelo’s – elegant upscale Italian dining putting a modern twist on the classics. ($) 
• Dragon Lady – flavourful Asian fusion with a fixed menu covering cuisines from Japan, China, Thailand and beyond. ($) 
• Luke’s Bar & Grill – signature modern Australian restaurant from celebrity chef Luke Mangan. ($) 
• Trattoria – rustic, homestyle Italian fare and freshly-made pizzas. ($) 
• Pizzeria – quick and casual takeaway pizza open until late. ($) 
• Luke’s Burger Bar – laid back Aussie burger joint curated by Luke Mangan. ($) 
• Lilly’s – café by day and chic piano bar (where you can request your favourite song) by night. 
• Avalon Café – pair a glass of wine with a cheese board and watch the world go by. 
• 24-hour Room Service 
• Encounter Hotel – your friendly local on board pub serving draft beers and all your favourite drinks. 
• Charlie’s – delicious drinks served all day in The Lobby area. 
• The Bonded Store – speakeasy-style cocktail bar crafting drinks from the finest ingredients. 
• Blue Room – an intimate live music venue playing blues, funk, jazz or RnB every night. 
• Casino Bar – enjoy a drink while you try your luck. 
• Oasis Bar – laid-back child free retreat for cocktails in a deck chair overlooking the ship’s wake. 
• Pool Bar – a relaxed bar for everyone serving up fun in the sun. 
• Ocean Bar – comfy lounges and lots of glass make for a stylish and chic place for a drink. 
• Sky Bar – soak up the sunshine with a drink in hand overlooking the pool deck. 
• Sunset Bar – enjoy the best views from Deck 17 and relax with a drink in the hot tub. 
• Altitude – live DJ, cool cocktails and incredible views await in the fun nightclub. 

Entertainment 

• Broadway-style shows in the Marquee theatre. 
• Dinner and an innovative cabaret performance at Black Circus. 
• Get dressed up for the themed deck parties. 
• Have some laughs at the Comedy Club. 
• Watch a movie under the stars on the big screen. 
• Hear live music at your favourite bar. 

Recreation 

• Have a swim in the five swimming pools (one for adults only). 
• Challenge your friends on the Twin Racer Waterslides. 
• Get your heart pumping with 19 thrilling activities at the Adventure Park. 
• Enjoy video games, virtual reality and sporty challenges in Level Up Arcade. 

Relaxation 

• Leave your worries behind at the adults’ only The Oasis. 
• Suite guests can enjoy Byron Beach Club, an exclusive retreat with pool and bar. 
• Feel rejuvenated with a treatment in the Elemis spa or a refresh in the salon. 

Fitness 

• Get in a workout in the fully equipped gym. 
• Join a fun group fitness class. 
• Sweat it out in the steam room and sauna. 

Other 

• Age-specific kids’ clubs for ages two to 17.