Pacific Encounter Cruises
Pacific Encounter now sails as Carnival Encounter.
Ship Specification
| Maiden voyage: | 2002 |
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| Number of decks: | 13 |
| Tonnage: | 108865 |
| Cabins: | 1301 |
| Passengers: | 2602 |
| Number of crew: | 1200 |
2021
Last refurbished
2602
Passengers
Ports visited
$
From Price per day
108,865
Gross Tonnage
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Onboard Experience
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Dining
Pacific Encounter will have 18 different dining options, 12 of which is included in your fare. True to the P&O experience, guests can be as safe or as adventurous as they choose. Whether the sound of garlic snails makes your mouth water or a traditional Guinness pie is more your speed, the incredible chefs onboard have something to tantalise. The Waterfront restaurant is open for breakfast lunch and dinner, offering a rotating menu of Aussie favourites.
Read moreThis restaurant is open dining, no reservation is required. Other restaurants included in your fare are Angelo's Italian Restaurant and Dragon Lady, these are open for dinner only and do require to book ahead. The pantry began replacing the standard buffet in 2015 and is now equipped across the P&O fleet. In its place, we have a food court style experience where guests can get curry at one stand and stir fry in another served to you by the crew. This change has resulted in more responsible travel as well as a more efficient dining experience. For those special occasions, you don't want to miss the incredible food at one of the many specialty restaurants. P&O favourite and Celebrity chef Luke Mangnan will be bringing his delicacies onboard, as well as the famous 400 Gradi Pizza by Johnny Di Francesco. For a culinary experience like no other, the Chef's table will be available. This will have limited numbers on each cruise so be sure to book ahead. If you’re looking for something different, you cannot miss Shell and Bones. Seafood and steak specialty dining restaurant that is open for dinner, carving out a private dining room in the pantry. Room service is available for a minimal fee.
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Bars
Pacific Encounter offers several luxurious lounges to enjoy your time on holidays. Coming fresh from her makeover, she will boast some exciting new venues as well as the P&O favourites. Whether you are looking for a fine wine or a delicious cocktail, Pacific Encounter offers several bars and lounges to suit your mood. With 6 different venues, including a venue exclusive to Encounter, guests have ample choice.
Read moreSit back and relax on the deck chairs by the pool and be served by the attentive wait staff or enjoy a pre-dinner drink while watching the sunset. For the real party-goers, the nightclub will be the place to finish your night, but not before boogying on the open deck with the DJ at the themed parties. Along with Pacific Adventure, Pacific Encounter welcomes the Byron Beach Club into the family. This exclusive space is for suite guests only, providing a getaway on the top deck with uninterrupted views of the ocean, music playing from the bar and an extensive cocktail menu. For the parents who just need 20 minutes of peace to enjoy a glass of wine, the Oasis Bar is the strictly adults-only area of the ship with spas and a pool. Drinks packages are available on sailings 7 nights or longer. There are several options for guests to choose from ranging from basic soda’s by the glass to alcoholic packages that include cocktails, spirits, beers and barista-made coffees and teas. Chat to your consultant today about options in booking this with your cruise fare.
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Entertainment
The nights are alive on P&O, guests will be beaming with excitement and joy as they engage in the activities available. No one parties like P&O and Pacific Encounter will deliver on just that. From theme nights to exclusive stage performances, movies under the stars and so much more, guests are left always wanting it to go on. The talented dancers and singers from P&O perform professional, tailor-made productions, with each show perfected to surprise and delight the audience.
Read moreThe charismatic Marquee Theatre is the home to most of the central performances you will see throughout your cruise. This theatre will host the stage shows, guest entertainers such as magicians and local musicians and well-known comedians. Love Riot is exclusive to P&O cabaret experience hosted in the adults-only Black Circus. A night of love, lust and hand grenades, this over the top, silicon dipped, high energy spectacle takes guests on an adventure that will ensnare every sense and gets heart rates elevated. This venue is strictly adults-only, and small entrance fees do apply. Every cruise will be guaranteed a Bianco White Party. Guests will pull out their finest white clothing and dance the night away with the resident DJs. Gatsby parties are for cruises 3 nights or longer, taking you back to the days of prohibition - bringing out the frills, fascinators and fedoras. P&O guests love to participate in the fun of dressing up, be sure to check your cruise details so you know what you need to pack.
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Activities
Whether you are the type of cruiser that enjoys spending your sea days by the pool, finding your own space to curl up with a good book or challenge your skills at trivia or ping pong tournaments, you can choose how you want to holiday. Pacific Encounter has over 60 different activities that you can either join in on the fun or relax and enjoy some respite. With adventure parks, family-friendly fun, sports, trivia, classes and more, the most challenging choice will be what to pick.
Read moreFor those that prefer to expand our minds, there are various classes on offer throughout your cruise. Learn how to make coffee like a professional, shake yourself a perfect martini, dance a tango or get the heart rate pumping with one of the many fitness classes on offer. Hone a new skill to take home and show off to your friends and family. For those that prefer an adrenaline boost, each of P&O’s ships come equipped with the largest adventure park at sea. Fly the length of the ship on a zip line, climb to the top of the funnel and abseil down, try out the titanic experience or walk the plank. Push yourself to your limits. Some activities will attract a surcharge, see your daily cruise planner onboard for details.
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Health & Fitness
Evolve Health and fitness studio on Pacific Encounter provides a space for guests to maintain their exercise at sea. Featuring, state-of-the-art equipment and workout programs that are designed to suit all levels of fitness. For those that prefer the fresh air outdoors, an open-air running track is available on the top decks. Personal trainers are available, or if you prefer there is also a range of classes such as low impact yoga, pilates or even a long booty boot camp.
Read moreElemis Spa is the answer to the question everyone asks when they need a holiday, how can I just relax. Escape into another world and rediscover your mind, body and soul. Leave your stresses at the door and let Encounter’s professionally trained massage and beauty therapists take you into a level of relaxation that you didn’t know was possible. Get plucked and buffed until you’re feeling rejuvenated or even try acupuncture, reflexology and aromatherapy. Whether it’s the sleepy mornings, a brisk run or a rejuvenating facial, guests can find their perfect centre aboard Pacific Encounter.
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Kids
Pacific Encounter has several options on offer to keep the kids entertained both with or without their parents. With kids clubs open daily from 10am to 10pm (subject to change, please confirm opening hours onboard), parents can use their time to put their feet up and have a well-deserved rest. For a additional fee there is also an option for after-hours care from 10:30 pm - 1 am, allowing parents to have a night to themselves.
Read moreTurtle Cove is for 2 to 5-year-olds, Shark shark is for 6 to 9-year-olds, HQ is for 10 to 13-year-olds, and the HQ+ is for 14 to 17-year-olds. Your children will make strong connections with other kids in the kids club, they will hardly want to leave. All activities are age-appropriate and are conducted by professionally trained staff. Children under the age of 2 are welcome to use the kids club activities with direct supervision of a parent or guardian (please check with your consultant regarding age restrictions with infants), parents with children in nappies must be available at all times for changing. Registration is a must as it is a first-come-first-serve basis, and there are limited spaces available.
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Inclusions
- Activities - organised & individual
- All main meals on-board
- Coffee, tea, milk & hot snacks
- Cruise Director & all English speaking staff
- Entertainment - live music and/or shows, movies
- Gratuities - tipping is neither expected nor required
- Kids clubs & teen programs (3-17 yrs)
- Open/anytime seating & multi-venue dining
- Service charge: Up to €0/USD12.50/AUD18 (12 & over) daily, child over 1 pay half. Ask about pre-payment.
- Ship-shore-ship transfers
- Use of ship facilities - indoor & outdoor
- Weddings, ceremonies, group events options
Customer cruise ship ratings
Pacific Encounter has an average of 3.9 Stars based on 532 Guest Reviews
Destination & Ports
Visited Ports
Cabins
There are six types of cabin and 35 price categories: insides, outsides (some obstructed), balcony cabins, outside mini-suites (with and without balconies) and balcony suites. Cabins will be roomy and nicely appointed, with satellite TV access to major channels. All cabins are spacious with wardrobes, ensuites, and twin beds mostly convertible to queen size. Facilities include flat screen TV, fridge, personal safe, and an interactive video system. Outside cabins have a large window or porthole in the case of a few.
Interconnecting cabins for families and groups allow quad-quad, twin-quad, triple-triple, and twin-twin bedding. Four types of suites are available, including two family suites, each of which can sleep up to 10 people if four are children – otherwise eight adults. Most balconies will give privacy, and some can be joined with other balconies when travelling in a group. Suites offer the pleasure of a bathtub and second TV. Twenty-six cabins offer wheelchair accessibility. Cots are available for children under three years. Smoking is only permitted in designated smoking areas, and excludes staterooms and balconies.)
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Inside
Cabin Types
II, IF, IE, ID, IC, IB, IA
Average Cabin Size – 14.5 m2
Wake up with your loved ones! Equipped with everything you need, it's the prefect sanctuary after a full day of adventure on deck and ashore. Twin rooms feature twin beds which can convert into a queen bed. Quad rooms feature two lower and two upper (bunk) beds. Some rooms can accommodate up to 3-4 adults / children.
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Outside
Cabin Types
OF, OC, OW, OY, OV, OP, OI
Average Cabin Size – 14.5 m2
Oceanview rooms feature a window or porthole so you won't miss a single ocean view. It's nice to know there's a cosy, clean sanctuary with your name on it, equipped with everything you need. Twin rooms feature twin beds which can convert into a queen bed. Quad rooms feature two lower and two upper (bunk) beds. Some rooms can accommodate up to 3-4 adults / children.
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Balcony
Cabin Types
BF, BE, BD, BC, BB, BA, B2, BI
Average Cabin Size – 15.5 m2
Open your doors and let the outside in! Make the most of your time at sea with your own private Balcony Room, 's the best way to enjoy all the comfort of our onboard rooms and all the beauty of living on the ocean. Twin single beds that convert into a queen bed. Some rooms can accommodate up to 3-4 adults / children.
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Suite
Cabin Types
SV, SP, S8, S5, PB, PA, OS, GS, ME, MD, MB, MA, M1
Average Cabin Size – 25.5 m2
Fresh air and far out views are all part of the furniture in these rooms. Equipped with everything you need to enjoy while you're at sea, it's nice to know there's a cosy, clean sanctuary with your name on it. Twin single beds that convert into a queen bed. Quad rooms feature a double sofa bed. Some rooms can accommodate up to 3 adults / children.
Pacific Encounter Deck Plans
Legend
Rooms are smaller than the average for room grade- Third or Fourth berth available
- Third berth available
- Wheelchair accessible
- Room with Porthole
- Fixed queen-bed, cannot be converted to twin beds
- Interconnecting rooms
- Obstructed View
- Public toilet
- Room does not have a bathtub
- Two berth (OZ grade: One lower, one Upper berth)
- Two fixed lower beds. Cannot be converted to a queen-size bed
Rooms are smaller than the average for room grade
Third or Fourth berth available
Third berth available
Wheelchair accessible 
Room with Porthole
Fixed queen-bed, cannot be converted to twin beds
Interconnecting rooms 
Obstructed View
Public toilet
Room does not have a bathtub
Two berth (OZ grade: One lower, one Upper berth)
Two fixed lower beds. Cannot be converted to a queen-size bedPacific Encounter Faqs
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WHERE IS PACIFIC ENCOUNTER NOW?
Click on the link to see where the Pacific Encounter is: Pacific Encounter Location
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WHICH PORT IN AUSTRALIA DOES THE PACIFIC ENCOUNTER CRUISE FROM?
Pacific Encounter cruises from Brisbane almost all year round.
Note: From the 29th of March 2025, the Pacific Encounter will become the Carnival Encounter as they will proudly be sailing as Carnival Cruise Lines.
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WHAT DINING OPTIONS ARE INCLUDED IN THE PACIFIC ENCOUNTER CRUISE FARE?
- Waterfront Restaurant [Deck 5] - Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Angelo’s [Deck 6] - Lunch and dinner.
- Dragon Lady [Deck 6] - Lunch and dinner.
- The Pantry [Deck 14] - Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
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WHAT DINING OPTIONS COST EXTRA ON THE PACIFIC ENCOUNTER?
- Luke’s Bar & Grill [Deck 7]
- P&O Trattoria [Deck 7]
- P&O Pizzeria [Deck 14]
- Luke’s Burger Bar [Deck 14]
- New Zealand Natural Ice Cream [Deck 14]
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WHAT BAR & ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS DOES THE PACIFIC ENCOUNTER HAVE?
Bar & Specialty Food
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Charlie’s Bar [Deck 5]
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Lilly’s [Deck 5]
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Avalon Cafe [Deck 5]
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The Bonded Store [Deck 6]
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Casino Bar [Deck 6]
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Ocean Bar [Deck 7]
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Encounter Hotel [Deck 7]
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Blue Room [Deck 7]
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Oasis Bar [Deck 14]
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Pool Bar [Deck 14]
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Sky Bar [Deck 15]
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Byron Beach Club [Deck 16]
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Sunset Bar [Deck 17/18]
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Altitude Nightclub [Deck 17/18]
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Room Service
Entertainment & Activities Options
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Casino [Deck 6]
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Arcade [Deck 6]
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Black Circus Cabaret Shows [Deck 7]
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Fitness Centre [Deck 15]
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Waterpark & Water Slides [Deck 17/18]
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Edge Adventure Park [Deck 17/18]
Note: Some of the above bar & entertainment options may incur an additional cost.
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HOW DO YOU MAKE RESERVATIONS BEFORE BOARDING THE PACIFIC ENCOUNTER?
Before your cruise, you can make dining reservations in Cruise Control [check-in service], or through the P&O Cruises App. Once onboard, you can book by visiting the booking desk on Deck 6 or calling 4800 from your cabin phone. Download the P&O Cruises app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
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IS THE PACIFIC ENCOUNTER GOOD FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES?
Yes, the Pacific Encounter offers many entertainment alternatives for youngsters, whether or not their parents are there or not. They will enjoy 4 outdoor pools, a waterpark with slides, an arcade, and age-specific programmes just to name a few.
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WHAT ARE THE PACIFIC ENCOUNTER SHIP RULES YOU NEED TO FOLLOW?
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You must attend the safety drill.
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No smoking indoors or on cabin balconies.
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No underage drinking.
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No sneaking drugs or alcohol onboard.
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No rowdy behaviour.
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No guests in crew areas.
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No nappies in the pools.
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No reserving lounge chairs.
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No climbing on railings.
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No taking of food and drink from the cruise ship.
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No flames such as candles in your cabins.
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No drones.
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No weapons.
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Return to the ship on time on shore days.
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WHAT SIZE RESTRICTIONS DOES THE PACIFIC ENCOUNTER HAVE FOR MOBILITY SCOOTERS OR WHEELCHAIRS?
Pacific Encounter has 26 wheelchair-accessible cabins with door widths ranging between 86 and 88cm. If you require an accessible stateroom, please speak with your Clean Cruising consultant.
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DOES THE PACIFIC ENCOUNTER HAVE A CHRISTMAS CRUISE?
Yes, the Pacific Encounter, soon to be called Carnival Encounter, offers a Christmas Cruise! Departing Brisbane on Friday, December 19, 2025, this festive 8-night cruise is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. Carnival Encounter Christmas Cruise 2025
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ARE THERE ANY NEW YEAR’S EVE CRUISES AVALIABLE ON THE PACIFIC ENCOUNTER?
Yes, there’s a spectacular way to welcome the New Year aboard the Pacific Encounter, soon to be called Carnival Encounter! Departing Brisbane on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, this 10-night New Year’s Eve Cruise is the ultimate way to celebrate in style. Carnival Encounter New Years Eve Cruise 2025
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