Carnival Cruise Line’s year-round Brisbane-based Carnival Encounter has sailed into dry dock in Singapore for a wave of upgrades, the last of the transitions for the much-loved former P&O ship.
The line said Queenslanders are sure to be delighted by the ship’s makeover, starting with the new look of Carnival’s iconic red, white and deep blue livery, plus multiple updated features that will dial up the fun for families and provide an all-new spa experience for maximum relaxation.
The 18-deck, 2021 build has a capacity of around 3000 passengers accommodated in 1298 cabins over seven decks.
“We’re excited to be providing our guests with a whole new spa experience and transformed spaces onboard Carnival Encounter,” Carnival Cruise Line assistant vice president Sales & Marketing, said Anton Loeb. “Queenslanders are going to love the luxury of lying on a heated lounge while at sea, whether they choose to sail in summer, autumn, winter or spring.”
Guests will be able to book access to the new thermal suites online ahead of time or onboard through the Cloud 9 Spa, with options for a day pass or a full‑cruise experience.
The dry dock program also includes a range of behind‑the‑scenes energy‑saving upgrades designed to improve onboard efficiency. Upgrades are also underway in crew areas, ensuring the team who delivers the fun has a refreshed, comfortable home away from home.
Carnival Encounter will depart Singapore on 5 March, calling into Lombok and Bali enroute home to Brisbane. After returning to the Sunshine State on 20 March, the ship will resume year-round sailings to idyllic Aussie favourites and dreamy South Pacific destinations, including Airlie Beach, Great Barrier Reef, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea.
Carnival Encounter is set to return to Brisbane on 20 March, via Bali, Darwin, Cairns and Airlie Beach.
Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy flew from the lines Miami HQ to Australia last year to relaunch its sister ship Carnival Adventure, that also moved to her brand from the sunsetted P&O Australia. Adventure is scheduled for its refit in 2027.
Following this, the ship will homeport in Melbourne for a month in 2027 before continuing to operate in the Australian market, including a new 2027–28 season out of Adelaide.
Both ships will see changes to their food and beverage offering with Fahrenheit 555 and Bonsai Sushi Express arriving onboard and new specialty burger restaurant Carnival Topside Grill also on the menu. Luke’s Burger and Luke’s Bar and Grill by chef Luke Mangan are leaving the ship.
Updates
All-New Cloud 9 Spa Thermal Suites
Step inside a brand-new world of bliss, featuring saunas, steam baths and heated thermal lounges.
A splashier outer deck experience
All five pools will be revitalised and all seven Jacuzzi tubs replaced, complete with newly refreshed surrounds for an elevated experience in the ship’s most-loved holiday hangout spots.
More fun for families
The newly resurfaced onboard basketball court will sport all-new hoops and netting to level up the family fun.
Twin Racer Waterslides: Now smoother and speedier
The ship’s popular Twin Racer slides will be polished up for a sleeker, faster ride – perfect for siblings (and parents) keen to win bragging rights.
