Overview
Carnival Encounter sails year-round from Brisbane and is perfect for families, couples and groups of friends who want to lean into both fun and relaxation on their holiday.
Guests can expect the perfect blend between everyone’s interests with kids clubs, teen-friendly hangout spaces, an adult-only retreat, dining that ranges from casual to connoisseur, and entertainment for all ages.
Water lovers will be spoilt for choice with spas, four pools, and waterslides. Thrill seekers are covered too with Edge Adventure Park, complete with ziplining, rock climbing and abseiling. More of a chill seeker? You’ll love the exclusive Byron Beach Club, the Adult-Only Oasis Retreat, and the day spa and salon.
As the sun goes down, the fun only goes up. Dive into delicious dining options like Angelo’s, Dragon Lady, or celebrity-chef dining at Luke’s Bar & Grill. Be entertained with live comedy and dazzling stage shows. Or dance the night away at a classic Carnival deck party. Yep, Carnival Encounter has got it all!
Activities
Atrium
First impressions are important to us, that’s why the atrium, your first taste of your Carnival cruise, makes you go ‘wow.’ From the moment you step aboard, the atrium - the heart of the ship - simply screams “welcome aboard!” There’s hustle and bustle, there’s music and high ceilings featuring panoramic views of the whole scene from the upper decks. This 360-degree funspot is also the home of the Guest Services desk, the place you go if you have questions for one of our certified fun experts… try them out to see if they can make your experience just that little bit better.
Games
Kids never need an excuse to play and at Carnival, we believe play is important to ALL ages, so our cruise ship games are a huge part of the Carnival experience for all, young and old! From physical challenges to board games, trivia games to scavenger hunts to the very appropriate Battle of the Ages - the trivia game that actually puts kids against adults - Carnival puts the “all” in “fun for all.” You’ll also love our mini golf, bingo, basketball, and volleyball games, and our arcade games will keep the family entertained for hours.
Pixels
Since photos are a big part of how you and your crew will remember your cruise, you can rely on Carnival’s photo-pros to bring your fun side into focus - lighting and background, shutter speed and aperture know-how goes into every shot they take. You’ll find our pros all over the ship: when you’re gathered around the dining room table, as you step off the ship at your destination… and plenty of times in between. You’ll even find creative and fun backdrops around the ship that you can casually stop by and do a quick pose in front of!
Pickleball
If you’re hungry, the deli is that way! But whether you’re a pickleball novice or kind of a pro, we’re serving up a spot on-board where you can meet up for some friendly competition. In this scaled-down tennis-like game - pop! - oh hey, that’s just the way it sounds when someone hits the ball, you’ll get used to it. This game’s history goes way back to the 60s but it’s gotten pretty popular lately, and best of all your cruise is a great time to learn the simple rules and take a whack at this game - pop! - yep, like they just did. So if you’ve ever played tennis, ping-pong or badminton, you might already have the skills. And even if you haven’t, just - pop! - pop on over for a game.
More Choices:
- Bingo
- Onboard Internet
- Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea
- Video Arcade
Dining
The Chef’s Table
Indulge your taste buds in an unforgettable culinary journey curated by the Master Executive Chef onboard our cruise ships. This VIP experience begins with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres for an intimate group of 14, setting the tone for a beautiful evening. Afterwards, you'll be taken on a behind-the-scenes tour of the galley in operation. The evening ends with a full-service dinner featuring mouth-watering appetisers, entrees, and desserts that you won't find on our regular dining menus.
Remember: This specialty dining experience has limited availability. To enjoy this dining experience pre-book via 'my cruise manager' before you go.
This cruise dining option is one of the many onboard activities that make cruise travel with Carnival Cruise Line a truly memorable experience. Join us onboard and set sail for your cruise from the ports of Sydney or Brisbane.
Lido Marketplace
Featuring a variety of casual dining options like Chef's Choice, Salad Bar, Carnival Deli, Sweet Spot and more, the Lido Marketplace has something - or more likely, at least a few ‘somethings’ - to satisfy your craving. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and food options for everyone, you can enjoy your personal favourites, while dining in the company of family and friends. It’s also where you can find our pizza station and Swirls ice cream spots.
Seaday Brunch
Forget what “they” say - the most important meal of the day is brunch. Slumberers can sleep in and still enjoy breakfast favourites, while early-risers get a head-start on lunch. And Seaday Brunch brings everybody’s favourite mid-morning meal to your Carnival cruise, and does it right. You’ll enjoy special french toast, loaded mac-n-cheese… and yes, more ways to cook eggs than we even thought was possible. Chow down and fuel up - you’ve got lots of exploring to do, across the ship, for the rest of the day.
Dragon Lady
Dragon Lady is bringing the heat, the spice, the intoxicating flavours, and exotic tones of East Asia.
With a sultry mix of dark timbers and exotic tones, Dragon Lady provides an intimate and mysterious setting. Be seduced by the exotic scents and spices of a menu inspired by Australian’s passion for East Asian cuisine. From flavourful soups, and delicate dim sims to delicious braises and stir-fries, every mouthful is bursting with flavour.
Immerse yourself in the intoxicating flavours of Asia at Dragon Lady.
Tip: For convenience, guests who choose rotational dining will receive automatic bookings in the three complimentary restaurants onboard (including Dragon Lady). These can be adjusted once onboard if required.
New Zealand Naturals
Why stop at one scoop? Try all your favourite flavours onboard at New Zealand Natural ice cream. Also serving a range of espresso coffees, milkshakes and more.
Trattoria
Welcome to Trattoria, serving rustic, home-style Italian fare and delicious freshly-cooked pizza. Combining a warm, relaxed atmosphere with fantastic food, good wine and wonderful service, Trattoria is sure to become a favourite venue on your cruise.
From 11am to 4pm daily Trattoria offers free pizza. Or, visit in the evening when Trattoria offers a full a la carte dinner service (charges apply).
Waterfront
Waterfront Restaurant is a modern Australian dining venue serving up a selection of home-style, casual dining favourites. With a menu of delicious classics, you’ll find there’s something for the whole family at Waterfront Restaurant. Offering a huge choice of menu options that are both nutritious and sure to please, the kids' specials menu changes daily, so even the fussiest eaters will find something they’ll love.
Tip: For convenience, guests who choose rotational dining will receive automatic bookings in the three complimentary restaurants onboard (including Waterfront). These can be adjusted once onboard if required.
More Choices:
- Dining Room Breakfast
- Dining Room Dinner
- Steakhouse Selections
- Bottomless Bubbles
- 24-Hour Room Service
- Special Diets
- Angelo’s
- Coffee Bar
- Luke’s Bar & Grill
- Luke’s Burgers
- The Pantry
Bars
Piano Bar
Play it again, Sam. Or Diana. Or whatever your name is. Because this is the bar where you call the shots – and the songs. Pull up a seat, order your favourite cocktail, and let your friendly piano player know which songs you'd like to hear. Then join the sing-along for a hand-clapping, foot-tapping, finger-snapping good time. Don't feel like flexing your vocal cords? No worries. Shy songbirds are welcome here, too. And since it's open from early evening to late at night, it's the perfect spot for a before-dinner drink or singing 'til the wee hours of the evening.
Casino Bar
Located right off the casino floor, the casino bar serves up your favourite cocktails, beer and wine, making this the perfect spot to celebrate with family, friends... and maybe even total strangers.
Cheers!
All spirits, domestic and imported beer, wine and sparkling wine by the glass, hand-crafted cocktails and frozen cocktails with top shelf brands at a value of up to $20 AUD per drink. Soft drinks, frozen mocktails, energy drinks, packaged water and other non-alcoholic bottled beverages.
Note: CHEERS! must be purchased by each adult assigned to the same stateroom, for the entire length of your cruise. CHEERS! is not applicable to Room Service purchases, and can only be purchased for the entire length of your cruise. *Restrictions may apply
Cruise the Vineyards
Wine lovers and foodies the world over unite in the tantalising array of wine cruises on offer at Carnival. Cruise the vineyards of Australia and further afield in style, even while at sea, with Carnival’s range of gourmet wine cruises.
From the soft and fruity flavor of the Merlot to the light and dry Sauvignon Blanc, for those who appreciate wine, a Cruise the Vineyard package is a must. Choose from three packages featuring selections from Italy, New Zealand, France, Australia, Germany, California, Washington and Oregon. Sip and savour favorites at a discounted price - ask your Dining Room server onboard how.
Exclusive Carnival Brews
Who says good beers should be hard to find? And who says that the chilling you do at sea has to come to an end when your cruise is over? Not us! Now you can enjoy that holiday flavour onboard in cans of original, Carnival-exclusive beers. Yep, we said “cans”! Three of the fan-favourites we’ve been brewing at sea - ParchedPig West Coast IPA, ThirstyFrog Caribbean Wheat and ParchedPig Toasted Amber Ale - are now available as portable pints. And since these cans are available onboard, it’s the first time ever you can get them outside of the onboard breweries where they originally came to life.
Beers will vary on Non U.S Carnival Ships.
Events
Sailaway Party
There are two kinds of people - land people and sea people. Unless they were born on a pirate ship, pretty much everybody starts out as a land person. And look, there’s nothing wrong with that. But there’s a process for becoming a sea person, and the Sailaway Party on your first Carnival cruise is where the transformation occurs. It’s actually pretty easy: get there and… you’re in the club and ready to celebrate! (Then, on your second Carnival cruise - and let’s be honest, you’ll be back - strap on your sea legs, find a cruise newbie and join them in a toast to the great times to come.)
Holidays Aboard
You don’t need a reason to celebrate… but if you want one, look no further than your calendar. Every Carnival cruise is a celebration - especially on holidays - but we truly go all-out for a few special dates throughout the year. This makes the ship a great place to call home for a while, gathering with your friends and family. For one thing, there’s Halloween in October, where costumes at sea are just the beginning. Christmas festivities are a big deal, combining solemn traditions with jolly fun, while Grinchmas opens the book on wacky and whimsical with the green one himself, plus the rest of the Dr. Seuss crew. Finally, we close out the year - and begin the next one - with New Year’s Eve traditions like a huge party… and the party isn’t complete without an after-party. Ready to celebrate? Plan your cruise for the right dates and you’re in for even more festive fun.
Casino
Roulette
Boosting your excitement levels and trying your luck at the spinning wheel go hand in hand at cruise casino roulette with Carnival Cruise Line.
While it may come from the French for "little wheel," on your Carnival cruise, roulette means big action! There are a whole bunch of ways to get into the game… and just as many ways to win. Take red or black, high or low, even or odd… or go for the long odds - and big payoffs - by playing the inside (you know, the numbered spaces). If you're lost, know that you're not alone… the casino staff on your cruise can set you on the right path to an unforgettable experience.
Let Carnival raise the adrenaline levels and lift the party spirit, with high stakes and entertainment values to match, in the wide range of Australia casino cruise deals offered online.
Carnival Players Club
Joining the Carnival Players Club is easy. Once aboard, see your Carnival Players Club Host for more details. Gamble responsibly.
Entertainment
Dive-In Movies
Ready to see stars? Park yourself in front of the big screen - the really big screen - and settle in for a night at the cinema… under some real stars. From the comfort of your poolside lounge chair, or even the pool itself, you'll enjoy the most recent blockbuster movies at our cruise ship theatre.
And don't think a cruise cinema in the middle of the sea means going without the usual comforts. There's not only popcorn - who could forget that? - but blankets! So, lounge around, snuggle up and try to remember the last time you truly enjoyed a night at the movies. And the good news is there’s a heap of other cruise entertainment for the other days and nights you’re at sea. Stick with the cinema experience and be blown away with our Thrill Theatre or IMAX experience.
Check out our stage shows and playlist productions. If laughter and interaction is more your thing, a night at the Punchliner Comedy Club, singing karaoke, or showing off with our Lip Sync Battle are a lot of fun. And there’s plenty for the kids to do, if you just want to laze around in any of our outdoor pools.
Playlist Productions
When was the last time you got up and danced… at the theater? Playlist Productions takes tunes you know and puts them live on stage, transforming them into full blown musical productions featuring pro singers and dancers rocking the house.
The Punchliner Comedy Club
Cruise entertainment doesn’t come any better than laughing-so-hard-you-can-barely-breathe funny. To take our Punchliner Comedy Club talent way over the top, we've teamed up with renowned Aussie comedians who are certain to take you to the point of mirthful hysterics. Our comedy shows are so good, we basically run a comedy cruise. From physical tom-foolery, through sharp one-liners to blood-vessel-busting bardiness, the Punchliner Comedy Club is the home of hilarity. Our comedy shows are the perfect companion to our other entertainment activities such as our playlist productions, piano bar, karaoke and lip-sync-battle, stage shows, live music, bars, pub, and sports bar, and casino. Every night is a night out on a Carnival cruise.
Tip: We’ll say it again - The Punchliner Comedy Club features some shows that are family-friendly and some adult-only. You can choose which ones you attend! To help plan your evening, check the Carnival Hub App or Fun Times- it’s delivered daily to your stateroom.
Blanc de Blanc
Following hugely successful seasons in Las Vegas, London’s West End, and at the Sydney Opera House, this award-winning burlesque show of epic proportions is showing on Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter. Serving up an intoxicating blend of vintage glamour, high-end spectacle, and effervescent energy, Blanc de Blanc Uncorked is for audiences 18 years and older looking to enjoy plenty of laughter. Equal parts breathtaking and bold, sophisticated and surprising, glorious and glamorous, enjoy Blanc de Blanc Uncorked, the show that pops, fizzes, and bangs.
More Choices:
- Stage Shows
- Piano Bar
- Karaoke
- Live Music
- Nightclub
Spa & Fitness
Fitness Centre
We have some bad news for you - your Carnival ship has a cruise gym. In other words, there’s no excuse for leaving your fitness routine back on land. That’s great news, however, for your body, which will definitely benefit from all the extra energy that a rejuvenating cruise is sure to generate. And let’s not forget the extra time you’ll have, since you won’t be waking up and spending most of the day at the office or anything like that.
Our cruise gym and fitness centre are part of our health, fitness, and spa activities, offering a commitment to your mind, body, and soul. We also have a basketball court and jogging track, and all the spin classes, fitness classes, and personal training you’ll need. Oh, we said wellbeing didn’t we. That means spas, massages, hydrotherapy pool, and Serenity Adults Only retreat. Stay fit and relax. Sounds perfect.
Fitness Classes
All of Carnival’s world-class cruise ships offer gym classes in state-of-the-art fitness centres. The spacious gym settings, offering the latest gym equipment and a range of popular core gym classes, set the scene for your fitness dreams. No matter your preferred workout mode, Carnival’s cruise ships offer a wide range of group exercise classes in fitness centres that feature state-of-the-art elliptical treadmills, weight machines and cardio equipment.
You can have all the will in the world, a great attitude that keeps you working hard at the gym, but still not see the results you’re hoping for. If that’s the case - or you’re just looking to shake things up with a little extra fun or challenge in your workout - check out Carnival’s selection of onboard fitness classes. Whether it’s yoga, Pilates, indoor cycling or boot camp, there’s a fitness class that’ll get you the workout you need, and the instruction you need to do it right. Looking for a little extra attention? Look to personal training for a workout with that personal touch.
Serenity Adult Only Retreat
Somebody at Carnival knows just what you need, and it's the Adult-Only Serenity Retreat. You’ll still be on the same ship as the kids, but it will feel like an adult’s cruise. The adults-only retreat allows you to easily forget the Carnival-style excitement. Well, leave it to the kids anyway. You can sit back and enjoy a spa and hot tub, beauty salon, and facial treatment. And our Carnival cruise ship also includes the amazing Cloud 9 Spa, with a thermal suite, Hydrotherapy pool, and more. Once you’re relaxed, enjoy the nightlife and visit a bar, casino, or nightclub. And let the kids have their fun as well, with lots to do for tweens or teens. Enjoy adults cruise activities to reconnect with your partner, finish that book, have some lavish some spa time, or do absolutely, blissfully, nothing at all.
Facial Treatments
Your face is the first thing the world sees, and while a nice smile can make a world of difference, one of the best ways to put a smile on your face is with a nice, refreshing facial. Of course, there’s more to it than just feeling great… post-facial, your rejuvenated skin will also be looking its best, so there’s definitely substance behind the good looks you’ll be catching glimpses of in all the mirrors you pass. Whichever facial option you go for - and our onboard spa offers a few - you’ll be treated to a luxuriously enhancing experience.
Hair & Beauty Salon
A trip to the cruise salon is an opportunity to relax, to chat with others, and spend some time on you. Enjoy a facial treatment, massage, some acupuncture, and even relaxing spa treatments for relaxation or fitness. We even offer services like teeth whitening… great for taking those ‘I’m on holidays and I’m looking great!’ selfies to the next level. And you’ll be spoilt for relaxation and beauty choice with our salon services. As well as our cruise salon you can enjoy our Cloud 9 Spa with thermal suite and thalassotherapy pool, Serenity Adults Only retreat, or even our men’s spa services.
Men’s Services
Why let the ladies have all the fun to themselves at the spa? Razor-close barbershop-style shaves add a touch of manliness to the spa experience , and speaking of the barber, a cruise is a great time to rock a whole new hairstyle, a quick grey-hair darkening, or even just a fresh trim. And why not go for a little extra relaxation with a massage or even a facial while you’re at it?
More Choices:
- Jogging Track
- Pools
- Pickleball
- Byron Beach Club
- Edge Adventure Park
- The Oasis
Shops
Pixels
Since photos are a big part of how you and your crew will remember your cruise, you can rely on Carnival’s photo-pros to bring your fun side into focus - lighting and background, shutter speed and aperture know-how goes into every shot they take. You’ll find our pros all over the ship: when you’re gathered around the dining room table, as you step off the ship at your destination… and plenty of times in between. You’ll even find creative and fun backdrops around the ship that you can casually stop by and do a quick pose in front of!
Accessories
Whether you’re in the market for a special piece of jewellery, or just shopping around for designer sunglasses, accessories and artisan leather bags, duty-free shopping at our cruise accessory shops are a must. All of Carnival’s state-of-the-art fleet of cruise ships offer cruise accessory shops onboard for cruise goers.
While you’re there, keep an eye out for limited-time-only special events - the perfect deal on that watch gift set or resort fashions may only come along once per sailing. But while pop-up sales may come and go, the tax-free, duty-free savings - which you definitely won’t find on land - are available all cruise long!
Apparel
Whether your cruise wear clothing is swimwear or cocktail dresses designed to stand out, the cruise clothes shop on a Carnival ship is a must visit. A cruise clothes shop has never been so much fun or offered such a variety of styles, designer clothing, and cruise wear clothing options. You can shop until you drop at our cruise clothes shop, with the extensive selection of cruise wear clothing for men, women and children.
You can even window shop and grab a bargain when it presents itself. Especially as cruise shops are duty free. Get your cruise fashion as part of our big range of shopping onboard. With luxury retailers and a range of different cruise shops, you’ll definitely find what you’re looking for. Shop for watches, accessories, designer clothing, jewellery, and all the beauty products you’ll ever need. You can also grab a few drinks and make a day of it.
Fine Jewelry
If you catch sparkling on your cruise, it may be the night sky. It could be the sun on the waves. Or you may just be near The Fun Shops, where you’ll discover a selection of pretty much all that glitters. Like gold, of course… but there’s also diamonds, tanzanite, gemstones of every hue - even colored diamonds! You won’t pay tax or duty on any of them: a great deal on top of great prices, take it from us. Try to catch our exclusive onboard trunk shows, where styles by top designers will be shown off by our experts in carat, cut, clarity… get all the Cs out on the seas.
Liquor
Did you know that your bartender will be glad to list the ingredients of your favorite onboard cocktail? Give it a shake once you get home… but first, make sure your bar is ready for action. Stock up on spirits at the onboard Fun Shops!
Watches
Time isn’t really a big deal on vacation, so it may seem surprising that one of the best times to save on watches is during your cruise. But it’s true! From the simple to the sporty, the intricate to the luxurious, our onboard Fun Shops have a selection to fit your style, your wrist… and even your budget. Grab a new dive watch for your shore excursion, or something sparkly for elegant night, and you’ll save money with lower than retail prices. Whether it’s a timepiece to commemorate a great holiday, a thoughtful gift for someone back home, or just because the time is right - all purchases are tax-free and duty-free! - head to The Fun Shops for big-time savings.
Beauty
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder when you pay a visit to the cruise beauty shops onboard Carnival. With the offer of top-selling beauty brands, at up to 25 per cent of the recommended retail price, the beauty allure is simply irresistible at our cruise beauty shops.
Part of Carnival’s Fun Shops, these stores offer an extensive product selection from all the popular international beauty brands. If you’re in the market for a new lipstick, designer fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, hair and health products, our cruise beauty shops are your one-stop shop. Cruise holiday goers should also keep an eye out for Travel Exclusives, which offer extra-special prices on famous brands that you can only find on ship and in store at our cruise beauty shops.
2 Twin Beds (convert to King), Double Sofa Bed and 1 Lower Pullman
2 Twin Beds (convert to King), Single Convertible Sofa & Upper
Twin Bed & Single Convertible
Queen-Size Bed, Single Convertible Sofa and Upper
2 Twin Beds (convert to King) & Double Convertible Sofa
Unisex Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
2 Twin Beds (convert to King) & 2 Uppers
2 Twin Beds (convert to King) & Double Convertible Sofa
2 Twin Beds (convert to King) & 1 Upper
Stateroom with 2 Porthole Windows
Twin beds do not convert to a king-size bed
All accommodations are non-smoking
Connecting Staterooms (Ideal for families & groups of friends)
2 Twin Beds (convert to King) and Single Convertible Sofa
