Carnival Encounter Cruises | CruiseHuddle - CruiseHuddle

Carnival Encounter: Your Gateway to Ocean Adventure

Connect with fellow cruisers sailing aboard this 3,115-passenger ship to the South Pacific and beyond.

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Upcoming Sailings

Carnival Encounter

The Story

The Carnival Encounter brings the signature Carnival Cruise Line experience to ocean voyagers seeking adventure across the South Pacific. Built in 2002, this 108,977-gross-ton ship carries 3,115 passengers and belongs to the Princess Grand class, offering a spacious platform for memorable voyages across the open ocean.

With 96 upcoming sailings on the schedule, Carnival Encounter has established itself as a popular choice for cruisers departing from Brisbane, Queensland Australia. The ship's itineraries focus heavily on South Pacific destinations, giving passengers access to tropical islands, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant cultures across the region. The vessel's size strikes a balance between offering plenty of onboard amenities while maintaining a more intimate feel than some of the industry's mega-ships.

Carnival Encounter appeals to a wide range of ocean cruisers, from families seeking fun-filled vacations to couples looking for tropical getaways. The ship delivers Carnival's hallmark casual atmosphere and entertainment-focused approach, with dining venues, deck activities, and evening shows designed to keep passengers engaged throughout their voyage. Whether you're a first-time cruiser curious about life at sea or a veteran sailor planning your next South Pacific adventure, the ship provides a comfortable base for exploring some of the world's most beautiful ocean destinations.

Ready to plan your Carnival Encounter voyage? Browse available sailings and connect with fellow cruisers who've sailed aboard this ship or are planning their own South Pacific adventures.

Onboard Highlights

🍝

Cucina del Capitano Italian Dining

Enjoy family-style Italian classics in a warm, rustic specialty restaurant setting.

🥩

Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse

Savor premium steaks and seafood in an upscale, reservations-only dining venue.

🌊

WaterWorks Aqua Park

Splash through twisting waterslides and playful water features for all ages.

🎭

Vibrant Onboard Production Shows

Catch high-energy live music, comedy, and Broadway-style performances in the main theater.

🍹

RedFrog Rum Bar

Sip Caribbean-inspired cocktails and craft rum drinks at this laid-back poolside bar.

🎰

Bustling Casino Deck

Try your luck at slots and table games in a lively onboard casino.

Departures

Upcoming Sailings

By the Numbers

Ship Specifications

📅 Year Built

2002

👥 Passengers

3,115

👨‍✈️ Crew

1,100

🏢 Decks

18

🛏️ Cabins

1,298

⚖️ Gross Tonnage

108977 gt

📏 Length

290 m / 951 ft

↔️ Beam

36 m / 118 ft

⚡ Speed

24 kn / 44 km/h / 28 mph

🏳️ Flag

Bahamas

🔧 Builder

Fincantieri (Monfalcone, Italy)

🏷️ Ship Class

PRINCESS GRAND

🎀 Christened By

Gunilla Antonini (for Princess Cruises)

⚓ Sister Ships

Caribbean PrincessCrown PrincessDiamond PrincessEmerald PrincessGolden Princess (Carnival Adventure)Grand PrincessRuby PrincessSapphire Princess

Questions

Carnival Encounter was built in 2002 and has a passenger capacity of 3,115. With a gross tonnage of 108,977, it's part of the Princess Grand class, offering a substantial onboard experience with room for thousands of cruisers.
Carnival Encounter primarily departs from Brisbane, Queensland Australia. This makes it an excellent choice for cruisers in the region or those traveling to Australia to begin their South Pacific ocean voyage.
The ship focuses on South Pacific destinations, taking passengers to tropical islands and ports throughout this beautiful ocean region. With 96 upcoming sailings scheduled, there are numerous opportunities to explore these sought-after destinations.
Yes, Carnival Encounter offers the family-friendly atmosphere Carnival Cruise Line is known for. The ship's size and amenities cater to multigenerational groups, with activities and entertainment options designed to appeal to various age groups throughout the voyage.
While built in 2002, Carnival Encounter maintains Carnival's signature fun atmosphere and offers substantial capacity across its 108,977 gross tons. The ship provides a proven ocean cruising experience without the overwhelming scale of some newer mega-ships.
Beyond the fare

What Carnival Cruise Line actually costs

These rates apply fleetwide across Carnival Cruise Line.

Verified July 2026
Gratuities
$17
per person, per day
Couple, 7 nights
$238
before a single drink
Service charge
20%
bar · dining · spa
Wi-Fi from
$15
per device, per day
Drink packages run roughly $60–$85 per person, per day — and on most lines every adult in the cabin must buy one if anybody does.

Raised gratuities $1 on Apr 2, 2026 (first since 2023). Quietly moved the service charge from 18% to 20% in late 2025. Bottomless Bubbles (soda) is $11.99/day, over $14 with service charge. IMPORTANT: fund your Sail & Sign account before boarding or you will queue at Guest Services mid-cruise.

Published rates, not a quote. Cruise pricing changes frequently — confirm with the cruise line before booking.

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