Signature highlights
Key onboard features include the Edge Adventure Park, water slides and pools, plus the Byron Beach Club, a private forward retreat reserved for eligible Byron Beach suite guests.
Carnival Encounter
Live Position ● 52 minutes ago
Heading to: AUBNECurrently on: 3 Nights Australia Cruise (3 nights) — En route to Brisbane, Australia — last stop Brisbane, Australia
17.7 knots
Under Way Using Engine
Position via AIS — updated periodically, not real-time.
About Carnival Encounter
Carnival Encounter is the former Star Princess, a 2002-built Grand-class ship that entered Carnival Cruise Line service under its present name on March 29, 2025, following service as P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Encounter. The ship combines a traditional large-ship layout with family facilities, activity areas and a suite-only retreat. Its 2,600-guest double-occupancy capacity, broad choice of accommodations and 1,100-person onboard team make it suited to multigenerational groups as well as couples seeking a full-service resort-style cruise experience.
Ship at a Glance
- Operator
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Builder / shipyard
- Fincantieri Cantieri Navali
- Registry / flag
- Nassau, Bahamas
- Call sign
- C6HX7
- IMO number
- 9192363
- MMSI
- 311001596
- Previous names
- Star Princess (2002–2021); Pacific Encounter (2021–2025)
Onboard Experience
Dining
Dining venues listed for the ship include Angelo’s Italian restaurant, Dragon Lady and Luke’s Bar & Grill, alongside buffet and casual options.
Entertainment
Entertainment includes the Punchliner Comedy Club and stage-show programming; the ship also offers deck-party programming.
Staterooms & suites
Accommodation categories include interior and balcony staterooms, plus Byron Beach Suite, Grand Suite and Presidential Suite categories. Byron Beach suite guests receive access to the Byron Beach Club.
For families
Supervised Camp Ocean programming is offered for ages 2–11, with youth programming for older children and teens. The ship also lists Turtles activities for children aged six months to one year at specified times.
Pools, spa & wellness
The ship has a Cloud 9 Spa and hair and beauty salon, with massage, facial and salon services listed by Carnival.
Accessibility
Carnival lists Carnival Encounter among ships with accessible-stateroom options and accessible onboard routes. Its accessible deck plan identifies routes and ramps; guests should confirm specific cabin and mobility requirements with Carnival before booking.
Explore This Ship
Jump from Carnival Encounter sailings into the broader destination network with cruise line and region hub pages.
Itineraries & Sailings
Ports of Call
Next: Dec 30, 2026
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: Apr 19, 2027
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: Jun 8, 2027
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: May 10, 2027
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Brisbane, Australia, Norfolk Island, Australia, Nuku'alofa, Tonga, Cruise Mutiny On The Bounty +3 more
Next: Jul 17, 2027
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: Nov 22, 2026
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: Oct 25, 2026
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: Jun 4, 2028
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: Apr 9, 2028
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: Apr 6, 2027
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: Feb 6, 2028
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: Dec 12, 2027
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: Sep 25, 2027
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: Sep 4, 2027
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: Dec 13, 2026
2 upcoming departures
Ports of Call
Next: Sep 26, 2026
2 upcoming departures
Ports of Call
Next: Feb 13, 2027
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: Jan 9, 2027
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: Nov 28, 2026
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: Jul 31, 2027
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: Mar 29, 2027
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: Nov 7, 2026
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: Oct 17, 2026
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: Dec 18, 2027
1 upcoming departure
Ports of Call
Next: Dec 30, 2027
1 upcoming departure