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 ● 3 hours ago
Heading to: VUMYSCurrently on: 14 Nights Fiji Cruise (14 nights) — Currently at Suva, Fiji
Brisbane, Australia
→ Norfolk Island, Australia
→ Nuku'alofa, Tonga
→ Suva, Fiji
→ Dravuni Island, Fiji
→ Vila, Vanuatu
→ Brisbane, Australia
12.8 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.
Sources: carnival.com.au, carnival-news.com, carnival-news.com, carnivalcruiseline.de, vesseltracker.com, steamshipmutual.com, commons.wikimedia.org, vesselfinder.com, carnival-news.com, carnivalcorp.com, carnival-news.com, gooby.dk, en.wikipedia.org, help.carnival.com.au, myshiptracking.com, iattc.org, dot.alaska.gov, data.ntsb.gov, ntsb.gov, carnival.com.au, reddit.com, reddit.com, en.wikipedia.org, de.wikipedia.org, reddit.com, reddit.com, reddit.com, reddit.com, arxiv.org, reddit.com, reddit.com, arxiv.org, reddit.com, arxiv.org, arxiv.org, reddit.com, reddit.com, reddit.com, en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org, axios.com, axios.com, prodpreview.carnival.com.au, carnival.com.au, archive.ada.gov, carnival.com.au, carnivalcruiseline.de, carnival.com, goccl.com.au, dot.alaska.gov, dot.alaska.gov, cruises.delta.com, cruisemapper.com, help.carnival.com.au, help.carnival.com.au, help.carnival.com.au, vacationstogo.com, reddit.com, reddit.com, reddit.com, reddit.com, reddit.com, reddit.com, reddit.com, reddit.com, reddit.com, reddit.com, reddit.com, reddit.com, arxiv.org, arxiv.org, arxiv.org, arxiv.org, en.wikipedia.org
Explore This Ship
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Itineraries & Sailings
Ports of Call
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1 upcoming departure
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Ports of Call
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1 upcoming departure
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1 upcoming departure
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1 upcoming departure
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1 upcoming departure
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1 upcoming departure
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1 upcoming departure
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1 upcoming departure
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1 upcoming departure
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1 upcoming departure