Carnival Encounter resumes year-round sailings from Brisbane, emerging from dry dock in Singapore and sailing into port with a refreshed look inside and out, including a new hull design, spa relaxation zone and entertainment lineup.
Passengers boarding the seven-night Queensland cruise on 20 March 2026 were the first to check out the new-look ship upgrades of the former Pacific Encounter as it transitioned from P&O Cruises to Carnival, including the branded red, white and blue livery.
Brand new to Carnival Encounter is a Cloud 9 Spa Thermal Suite, featuring heated lounges, saunas and steam baths, plus new onboard entertainment with debut shows for Australian ships: Broadway Beats and Rock Revolution: Summer of 69.
The Marquee Theatre has also had audio-visual upgrades, plus the addition of a new stage area.
The refresh also includes general updates to ship interiors and public spaces with new carpeting, paint and soft furnishings.
Meanwhile, all five pool areas have been revitalised, all seven hot tubs replaced, the sports court had a glow-up and the renewed Twin Race slides are now extra-speedy.
Behind the scenes, the 2,600-passenger ship has undergone energy-efficient upgrades to the galleys, laundry and cold rooms.
All dining venues remain on board with Luke’s Bar & Grill and Luke’s Burgers (from celeb chef Luke Mangan) to be rebranded as Fahrenheit 555 and Topside Grill in May 2026. Bonsai Sushi Express is a new onboard culinary addition.
Homeporting in Brisbane, Carnival Encounter will offer year-round itineraries to Queensland and South Pacific destinations, including Airlie Beach, Great Barrier Reef, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
Carnival Cruise Line Assistant Vice President Sales & Marketing Anton Loeb said: “We are excited to be offering Queenslanders a whole new spa experience and fresh fun on board the only cruise ship sailing year-round from Brisbane.”
Carnival Encounter was in the news recently after Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) investigators boarded the ship to conduct crew welfare checks in Darwin.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Carnival Encounter’s return strengthens Brisbane and Queensland’s cruise offering, giving advisors a refreshed, year-round product with broader appeal across wellness, entertainment and South Pacific itineraries.
