Grand class · Carnival · In service since 2002
Carnival Encounter
Carnival Encounter is a Grand class cruise ship operated by Carnival, in service since 2002. At about 108,977 gross tons, it carries roughly 2,600 guests and ranks #18 by size in the 29-ship Carnival fleet we cover.
- 108,977 gross tons
- 2,600 guests
- 950 ft long
Photo: Yankeesman312, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ship facts
- Cruise line
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Ship class
- Grand class
- Entered service
- 2002 (24 years ago)
- Gross tonnage
- 108,977
- Guests
- 2,600
- Length
- 950 ft (289.5 m)
- Speed
- 24 knots
- Builder
- Fincantieri
- Flag
- Bermuda
- IMO number
- 9192363
About Carnival Encounter
Carnival Encounter was built in 2002 as Star Princess, sailed for P&O Australia as Pacific Encounter and joined Carnival’s Australian fleet in 2025. It is a sister to Carnival Adventure and shares the Grand-class design: a long, slender hull, multiple pools and a large share of balcony cabins. It has been based in Australia for South Pacific and coastal cruises. North American visitors will find a relaxed, Aussie-flavored crowd and itineraries that are hard to reach from home, such as the islands of Vanuatu and New Caledonia.
Best for: Travelers in Australia who want a laid-back, social cruise to the South Pacific islands.
Carnival Encounter highlights
- Grand-class design inherited from its years as Star Princess
- South Pacific and Australian coastal itineraries
- Plenty of balcony cabins
- Multiple pools and hot tubs on the upper decks
How Carnival Encounter compares in size
- Carnival Celebration183,521
- Carnival Jubilee183,521
- Mardi Gras181,808
- Carnival Venezia135,500
- Carnival Firenze135,156
- Carnival Vista133,500
- Carnival Horizon133,500
- Carnival Panorama133,500
- Carnival Dream130,000
- Carnival Magic130,000
- Carnival Breeze130,000
- Carnival Splendor113,300
- Carnival Conquest110,000
- Carnival Glory110,000
- Carnival Valor110,000
- Carnival Liberty110,000
- Carnival Freedom110,000
- Carnival Encounter108,977
- Carnival Adventure108,806
- Carnival Sunshine102,853
- Carnival Sunrise101,509
- Carnival Radiance101,509
- Carnival Luminosa92,720
- Carnival Pride88,500
- Carnival Legend88,500
- Carnival Miracle88,500
- Carnival Spirit85,920
- Carnival Elation71,909
- Carnival Paradise70,367
Gross tonnage measures a ship's enclosed volume, not its weight. Source: Wikidata.
Grand class sister ships
Sailing with Carnival
Carnival Cruise Line is America’s budget-friendly “Fun Ship” brand: casual, sociable and packed with free food, comedy and pool-deck parties. It sails from more US ports than almost any other line, which makes short Caribbean, Bahamas and Mexico getaways easy to reach. It suits families, groups and value seekers, less so travelers wanting quiet elegance or fine dining.
Read our full Carnival guide: dining, drinks, tipping and who it suits →
Carnival Encounter FAQs
How big is Carnival Encounter?
Carnival Encounter measures about 108,977 gross tons and is about 950 feet (290 m) long. That makes it #18 of 29 Carnival ships we cover by tonnage, and #116 among all 255 ocean cruise ships in our guide.
How many passengers does Carnival Encounter carry?
About 2,600 guests, according to Wikidata's record for the ship. Cruise lines usually quote capacity at two guests per cabin; with third and fourth berths filled, the maximum is higher.
When was Carnival Encounter built?
Carnival Encounter entered service in 2002 and was built by Fincantieri. Older ships are often refurbished, so ask about recent upgrades when you compare sailings.
What class of ship is Carnival Encounter?
Carnival Encounter belongs to Carnival's Grand class, alongside Carnival Adventure. Ships in the same class share a layout and most signature features.
Is Carnival Encounter good for families?
Camp Ocean runs free supervised activities for kids aged 2 to 11 in age groups, Circle C is for 12- to 14-year-olds and Club O2 is for teens 15 to 17. Night Owls offers paid late-evening group babysitting. Facilities vary by ship, so check what Carnival Encounter offers for your kids' ages.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikidata, Wikipedia, Carnival official site.