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Carnival Cruise Line · Carnival Encounter

6-Day Great Barrier Reef

Dec 13, 2026 – Dec 19, 20266 nightsRound trip from Brisbane

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Cairns

Australia

Day
4
Date
Dec 16, 2026
Arrive
7:00 AM
Depart
4:00 PM

A cosmopolitan city flanked by pristine rainforests and golden beaches, Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda, and the Daintree rainforest, a World Heritage protected area.

Brisbane

Australia

Day
1
Date
Dec 13, 2026
Depart
3:00 PM

Once a harsh penal settlement, Brisbane is now Queensland's dynamic capital city. A blend of steel and glass defines the skyline, while riverside delights - botanical gardens, promenades, cafes and markets - mesmerize at eye level.

Airlie Beach

Australia

Day
5
Date
Dec 17, 2026
Arrive
9:00 AM
Depart
6:00 PM

Interior

From $842 per person

An Interior stateroom is the most affordable way to cruise without leaving out the comfort or convenience! Great for curling up after a long day of fun.

Interior floor plan, Carnival EncounterFloor plan

Porthole

From $842 per person

A pair of round windows in your Porthole stateroom give you the classic seafarer’s view times two, a view of the ocean without breaking the budget.

Ocean View

Your picture window gives you views of scenery you won’t find anywhere on land, all from the comfort of your Ocean View stateroom.

Ocean View floor plan, Carnival EncounterFloor plan

Ocean View (Obstructed View)

Your picture window gives you a view beyond your comfy Ocean View stateroom, while letting sunlight stream in. (Note: view will be obstructed.)

Ocean View (Obstructed View) floor plan, Carnival EncounterFloor plan

Aft-View Extended Balcony

From $1,102 per person

Aft-View Extended Balcony staterooms feature a larger balcony for more lounge-around room, plus these rooms face backward (most balconies face left or right), so you’ll get a unique view of your ship's gentle wake.

Aft-View Extended Balcony floor plan, Carnival EncounterFloor plan

Balcony

From $1,102 per person

Balcony staterooms were designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views. Cruise with a view and be just steps away from your own personal outdoor oasis.

Balcony floor plan, Carnival EncounterFloor plan

Byron Beach Presidential Suite

There's only one Byron Beach Presidential Suite on the ship, so book early if you're looking for the ultimate in luxury! This apartment-style suite features premium perks and an aft-facing balcony, plus the comfort and convenience of a separate living room, dining area... and then there's bathroom upgrades like a large shower and separate toilet room with a second sink. And don't forget, your suite includes access to the Byron Beach Club and more exclusive perks!

Byron Beach Extended Balcony Suite

A Byron Beach Extended Balcony Suite puts its proudest perk right in the name. (Feel that breeze!) Inside you'll also find a sitting area, walk-in closet and deluxe bathroom with a tub. And don't forget, your suite includes access to the Byron Beach Club and more exclusive perks!

Byron Beach Grand Suite

A Byron Beach Grand Suite features a large balcony and even more space than a standard suite. There's also a spacious sitting area, walk-in closet and bathroom with a shower and separate tub. And don't forget, your suite includes access to the Byron Beach Club and more exclusive perks!

Byron Beach Vista Suite

A Byron Beach Vista Suite offers more space for stretching out indoors, plus a large balcony for lounging with a bit of breeze. Enjoy a sitting area, plus get conveniences like a walk-in closet and a deluxe bathroom with a tub. And don't forget, your suite includes access to the Byron Beach Club and more exclusive perks!

Byron Beach Ocean Suite

A Byron Beach Ocean Suite features unique décor and offers more space for stretching out indoors, plus a large balcony for lounging with a bit of breeze. Experience private, spacious relaxation… and a deluxe bathroom with a tub. And don't forget, your suite includes access to the Byron Beach Club and more exclusive perks!

Length
6 nights
Departs
Dec 13, 2026, Brisbane
Returns
Dec 19, 2026, Brisbane
Ports of call
3
Days at sea
2
Ship
Carnival Encounter

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Itinerary

  1. Day 1Dec 13

    Brisbane

    Depart 3:00 PM

    Embark

    Brisbane
  2. Day 2Dec 14

    At sea

  3. Day 3Dec 15

    Willis Island (Onboard Experience)

    Arrive 1:00 PMDepart 2:00 PM

    Scenic cruising

  4. Day 4Dec 16

    Cairns

    Arrive 7:00 AMDepart 4:00 PM

  5. Day 5Dec 17

    Airlie Beach

    Arrive 9:00 AMDepart 6:00 PM

    Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet from the air, Whitsundays
  6. Day 6Dec 18

    At sea

  7. Day 7Dec 19

    Brisbane

    Arrive 7:00 AM

    Disembark

Carnival Encounter

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Interior

From $842 per person

An Interior stateroom is the most affordable way to cruise without leaving out the comfort or convenience! Great for curling up after a long day of fun.

Interior floor plan, Carnival EncounterFloor plan

Ocean View

Your picture window gives you views of scenery you won’t find anywhere on land, all from the comfort of your Ocean View stateroom.

Ocean View floor plan, Carnival EncounterFloor plan

Aft-View Extended Balcony

From $1,102 per person

Aft-View Extended Balcony staterooms feature a larger balcony for more lounge-around room, plus these rooms face backward (most balconies face left or right), so you’ll get a unique view of your ship's gentle wake.

Aft-View Extended Balcony floor plan, Carnival EncounterFloor plan
Guests
2,600
Crew
1,100
Tonnage
108,865
Length
951
Dining and venues
  • Waterfront
  • Angelo's
  • Dragon Lady
  • Steakhouse
  • Bonsai Sushi Express
  • The Pantry
  • Trattoria
  • New Zealand Natural
  • EDGE
  • Byron Beach Club
  • The Punchliner Comedy Club
  • Oasis
  • Dive-In Movies
  • Cloud 9 Spa
  • Video Arcade

All Carnival Encounter sailings

Deck plans

Open deck plans (PDF)

All decks
Carnival Encounter, All decks deck plan

Staterooms

Per person, double occupancy

  • Interior stateroom, Carnival Encounter
    Interior floor plan, Carnival EncounterFloor plan

    Interior

    Interior · Porthole

    An Interior stateroom is the most affordable way to cruise without leaving out the comfort or convenience! Great for curling up after a long day of fun.

    $842

  • Aft-View Extended Balcony stateroom, Carnival Encounter
    Aft-View Extended Balcony floor plan, Carnival EncounterFloor plan

    Balcony

    Aft-View Extended Balcony · Balcony

    Aft-View Extended Balcony staterooms feature a larger balcony for more lounge-around room, plus these rooms face backward (most balconies face left or right), so you’ll get a unique view of your ship's gentle wake.

    $1,102

  • Ocean View stateroom, Carnival Encounter
    Ocean View floor plan, Carnival EncounterFloor plan

    Ocean View

    Ocean View · Ocean View (Obstructed View)

    Your picture window gives you views of scenery you won’t find anywhere on land, all from the comfort of your Ocean View stateroom.

  • Byron Beach Presidential Suite stateroom, Carnival Encounter

    Suite

    Byron Beach Presidential Suite · Byron Beach Extended Balcony Suite · Byron Beach Grand Suite · Byron Beach Vista Suite · Byron Beach Ocean Suite

    There's only one Byron Beach Presidential Suite on the ship, so book early if you're looking for the ultimate in luxury! This apartment-style suite features premium perks and an aft-facing balcony, plus the comfort and convenience of a separate living room, dining area... and then there's bathroom upgrades like a large shower and separate toilet room with a second sink. And don't forget, your suite includes access to the Byron Beach Club and more exclusive perks!

Taxes and fees not included.

Dates and prices

6 nights, 6-Day Great Barrier Reef

On Carnival Encounter

Same itinerary on other ships

Interior$842
CabinRequest