Learn about the Carnival Encounter cruise ship – its unique offerings, amenities, accommodations, staterooms, cabin information, and details of luxurious suites, decks, dining, specialty dining, public venues, entertainment, health and fitness facilities, activities for kids and teens, sports and enrichment programs for all family members, pictures and videos.
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The Carnival Encounter is a Grand-class cruise ship operated by Carnival Cruise Line. Originally delivered in 2002 as the Star Princess by Fincantieri for Princess Cruises, the vessel was later transferred to P&O Cruises Australia as the Pacific Encounter before being rebranded as the Carnival Encounter in March 2025. The ship measures 290 meters (951 feet) in length, has a beam of 36 meters (118 feet), and a draft of 8.05 meters (26 feet). It boasts a gross tonnage of 109,000 GT and can accommodate up to 2,600 passengers, serviced by a crew of 1,100. Powered by a diesel-electric genset system comprising six Sulzer engines, the ship can achieve a maximum speed of 23 knots.
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Carnival Encounter offers various staterooms, including Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, and Suites. All rooms are equipped with climate control, TVs, safes, and Carnival’s signature linens. Suite guests enjoy added space and access to the exclusive Byron Beach Club, which features a private pool, loungers, and spa facilities. Dining options onboard range from casual to specialty experiences. Complimentary choices include The Pantry food court, Angelo’s for Italian dishes, and Dragon Lady for Asian cuisine. Specialty options like Luke’s Bar & Grill and Luke’s Burgers offer a premium menu. There's also a classic ice cream bar and fresh pizza served during select hours.
Entertainment on Carnival Encounter is designed to suit all ages and energy levels. The ship hosts live music, comedy acts, and game shows like “Deal or No Deal.” Guests can catch full-scale musical productions or unwind at the piano bar or pub. For active fun, there's a large pool deck, water slides, and the WaterWorks aqua park. The Edge Adventure Park features rock climbing, ziplining, and high-rope challenges. The Cloud 9 Spa offers massages and wellness treatments, while the Serenity Retreat provides an adults-only space for quiet time. Kids and teens have their clubs, activity centers, and video arcades.
Carnival Encounter packs each day with options to relax or stay active. Passengers can lounge by the pool, enjoy a cocktail at the RedFrog Pub, or take in panoramic sea views from the open decks. The ship also offers art auctions, trivia games, and themed parties. Fitness lovers will find a full gym and classes like yoga or cycling. Families enjoy movie nights under the stars and fun events on sea days. With Carnival’s Fun Squad leading the way, there's always something happening, from poolside contests to evening shows. Every moment on Carnival Encounter can be as relaxing or exciting as you want.
Guests routinely tip the shipboard crew in recognition of their hard work and great service. 100% of your gratuities go to the crew with whom you engage, such as your cabin attendants, dining and culinary services staff, and other members of the onboard team who work behind the scenes to improve your entire cruise experience. Applying this charge expedites the recognition process while also ensuring that the crew benefits from your generosity.
To assist you in planning, we have supplied the following onboard gratuity tips:
Pre-Pay
Guests often show appreciation for the hardworking shipboard crew by leaving gratuities. These tips go directly to the team members who help make the cruise enjoyable, including your cabin stewards, dining staff, kitchen crew, and others behind the scenes. The automatic gratuity system helps ensure the crew is fairly recognized for their efforts and makes it easier for guests to express their thanks.
To help you prepare for your cruise, here are the current daily gratuity rates:
Pre-Pay
Gratuities may be added at the time of booking or any time before the ship sets sail. Guests who booked directly through Carnival can log into their account on Carnival.com to include prepaid gratuities in their reservation. For travelers who made their booking through CruiseBooking.com, our agents can assist in adding prepaid gratuities to the existing reservation. Once added, these charges will be listed as a 'Miscellaneous Charge' on the booking confirmation. They will also appear in the guest’s E-Documents, ensuring full visibility and easy reference before departure.
Sail and Sign®
If passengers choose not to pre-pay their gratuities before the cruise begins, the recommended gratuity amount per person will automatically be added to their Sail & Sign account starting on the second day of the cruise and continuing through the final day. In cases where a guest is not satisfied with the service they receive, they are encouraged to visit the Guest Services desk while still on board to express their concerns. This allows the ship’s team to address any issues promptly and appropriately. Guests may also request adjustments to the gratuities once they appear on their account during the cruise. After the cruise ends, all gratuity charges posted to the Sail & Sign account are considered final and cannot be modified.
Additional Information
