Carnival Encounter has arrived back in Brisbane, Australia, after completing a 17-day dry dock in Singapore that has delivered a major refresh across the ship, from a new exterior look to upgraded leisure spaces, dining additions and fresh entertainment.
The 109,000-gross-ton vessel underwent her refit from 16th February to 5th March before setting out on a one-way voyage back to Queensland. She received a warm welcome on Friday, 20th March, as she returned to her year-round homeport.
Among the most visible changes is the addition of Carnival Cruise Line’s red, white and blue hull design, which has become a defining part of the brand’s fleet. The livery first appeared on Mardi Gras in 2021 and has since been rolled out across Carnival ships.
That marks a more substantial visual change than when Carnival Encounter and Carnival Adventure moved from P&O Cruises Australia to Carnival Cruise Line in early 2025. At that stage, the ships were rebranded in name, but their hulls did not receive the full Carnival treatment.
New Venues And Refreshed Outdoor Spaces
The dry dock has also introduced a number of Carnival favourites on board. Carnival Encounter now features Cloud 9 Spa thermal suites, giving guests access to saunas, steam baths and heated loungers as part of an expanded wellness offering.
Outdoor areas have also been upgraded. All five pools on the ship have been revitalised, while all seven whirlpool tubs have been replaced. The Twin Racer slides on Deck 16 have also been polished, aiming to give guests a smoother and faster ride.
Elsewhere, the ship’s basketball court has been resurfaced and fitted with new hoops and netting, adding another refreshed activity space for families and groups travelling together.
Dining has also been expanded with the addition of Bonsai Sushi Express on the starboard side of Deck 5, beside Cherry on Top. The venue adds more grab-and-go choice for guests, serving sushi, sashimi, salads, poke bowls and other light options.
One previously announced change is still to come. Carnival has already confirmed that the ship is due to receive a Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, though that part of the rebranding is not expected to be completed until early May 2026.
Exclusive Shows Added For Australia Sailings
Carnival Encounter’s entertainment line-up has also been refreshed, with two exclusive productions now featured for the cruise line’s Australia-based ships: “Rock Revolution: Summer of 69” and “Broadway Beats.”
The ship has also added “Dear Future Husband,” a show first introduced on Carnival Jubilee in 2023. Alongside those productions, guests will still find familiar onboard entertainment such as comedy performances, trivia, game shows and other interactive activities throughout each sailing.
Across the rest of the ship, passengers will also notice more Carnival staples in place, including the youth clubs, Fun Shops, Seaside Theater, and around a dozen bars spread throughout the vessel.
With the refurbishment complete, Carnival Encounter is now set to resume her regular programme from Brisbane. The ship offers sailings throughout the year ranging from three to 14 nights, depending on the departure date and itinerary.
Shorter cruises typically call at destinations such as Airlie Beach, Cairns and Willis Island, while the three-night break sailings operate as cruises to nowhere, focusing entirely on the onboard experience.
Longer voyages expand the schedule to the South Pacific, with itineraries including Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea and Fiji, often with multiple calls across those island destinations.
Carnival Encounter carries 2,600 guests at double occupancy and is supported by roughly 1,100 international crew members. With the Singapore overhaul now complete, the ship returns to service with a noticeably more Carnival-branded identity and a broader range of attractions for the Australian market.
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