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
Carnival Encounter is a 2,600-guest Carnival Cruise Line cruise ship, in service since 2002. This page lists 31 upcoming departures across 30 itineraries in Australia & Pacific, day by day and port by port. Its live AIS position is plotted on the map below and refreshed through the day.
Carnival Encounter at a glance
Ship size
Bigger than 76%
A large ship at 108,977 gross tons — #124 of 520 ships we track. 42 tons of ship per guest.
Live Position ● 1 hour ago
Heading to: Brisbane
18.0 knots
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
- Bahamas (formerly Nassau, Bahamas; confirmed by the ship’s AIS identity)
- 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.
History & sister ships
Other Grand class ships
Where Carnival Encounter sails, month by month
| Oct 26 |
Nov 26 |
Dec 26 |
Jan 27 |
Feb 27 |
Mar 27 |
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Aug 27 |
Sep 27 |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia & Pacific | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| From / night | $109 | $93 | $114 | $100 | $101 | $92 | $92 | $122 | $122 | $101 | 0 | $149 |
Ports it visits most
Explore This Ship
Jump from Carnival Encounter sailings into the broader destination network with cruise line and region hub pages.
Itineraries & Sailings
From $1,836
· $184/night
Ports of Call
Next: Dec 30, 2026
1 upcoming departure
From $915
· $92/night
Ports of Call
Next: Apr 19, 2027
1 upcoming departure
From $1,224
· $122/night
Ports of Call
Next: Jun 8, 2027
1 upcoming departure
From $1,459
· $122/night
Ports of Call
Next: May 10, 2027
1 upcoming departure
From $3,551
· $254/night
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
From $481
· $120/night
Ports of Call
Next: Nov 3, 2026
1 upcoming departure
From $449
· $112/night
Ports of Call
Next: Oct 13, 2026
1 upcoming departure
From $1,327
· $221/night
Ports of Call
Next: Nov 22, 2026
1 upcoming departure
From $722
· $120/night
Ports of Call
Next: Oct 25, 2026
1 upcoming departure
From $685
· $114/night
Ports of Call
Next: Jun 4, 2028
1 upcoming departure
From $733
· $122/night
Ports of Call
Next: Apr 9, 2028
1 upcoming departure
From $678
· $113/night
Ports of Call
Next: Apr 6, 2027
1 upcoming departure
From $678
· $113/night
Ports of Call
Next: Feb 6, 2028
1 upcoming departure
From $728
· $121/night
Ports of Call
Next: Dec 12, 2027
1 upcoming departure
From $966
· $161/night
Ports of Call
Next: Sep 25, 2027
1 upcoming departure
From $893
· $149/night
Ports of Call
Next: Sep 4, 2027
1 upcoming departure
From $680
· $113/night
Ports of Call
Next: Dec 13, 2026
2 upcoming departures
From $1,044
· $149/night
Ports of Call
Next: Jul 3, 2027
1 upcoming departure
From $705
· $101/night
Ports of Call
Next: Feb 13, 2027
1 upcoming departure
From $1,306
· $163/night
Ports of Call
Next: Dec 19, 2026
1 upcoming departure
From $742
· $93/night
Ports of Call
Next: Nov 28, 2026
1 upcoming departure
From $802
· $100/night
Ports of Call
Next: Jan 9, 2027
1 upcoming departure
From $760
· $95/night
Ports of Call
Next: Nov 28, 2026
1 upcoming departure
From $808
· $101/night
Ports of Call
Next: Jul 31, 2027
1 upcoming departure
From $822
· $103/night
Ports of Call
Next: Mar 29, 2027
1 upcoming departure
From $733
· $92/night
Ports of Call
Next: Mar 13, 2027
1 upcoming departure
From $871
· $109/night
Ports of Call
Next: Oct 17, 2026
1 upcoming departure
From $1,198
· $133/night
Ports of Call
Next: Dec 18, 2027
1 upcoming departure
From $1,357
· $151/night
Ports of Call
Next: Dec 30, 2027
1 upcoming departure
All Upcoming Departures
Carnival Encounter FAQ
What flag does Carnival Encounter sail under?
Carnival Encounter is registered in Bahamas. Some older references still list Nassau, Bahamas.
How many passengers does Carnival Encounter hold?
Carnival Encounter carries about 2,600 guests with roughly 1,100 crew.
How old is Carnival Encounter?
Carnival Encounter entered service in 2002.
How big is Carnival Encounter?
At 108,977 gross tons and 290 m long, Carnival Encounter is a large ship — larger than 76% of the 520 cruise ships cruises.to tracks.