Carnival Encounter Enters Singapore Drydock for Spa Upgrades
The refurbishment signals how cruise lines are investing in wellness and fresh branding to keep mature ships competitive as year-round demand in Queensland grows.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Encounter has entered drydock in Singapore for a refurbishment program that includes guest-area updates, a redesigned exterior look and behind-the-scenes efficiency work.
Singapore drydock schedule and the ship’s recent repositioning voyage
The 2002-built ship sailed from its Brisbane homeport on Feb. 3, 2026, on a 13-day repositioning itinerary to Singapore. The voyage included calls at Airlie Beach and Darwin in Australia, plus Lombok and Benoa in Indonesia, giving guests access to Bali during the Benoa stop.
Carnival Encounter arrived at Singapore’s Marina Bay Cruise Centre to begin a shipyard stay expected to last about 17 days. The ship is scheduled to depart Singapore on March 5 and arrive back in Brisbane on March 20, when it will resume year-round cruising from Queensland.
Guest-focused upgrades: Cloud 9 Spa thermal suites and refreshed outdoor areas
A central addition is new Cloud 9 Spa Thermal Suites, expanding the ship’s wellness offerings with features such as saunas, steam rooms and heated thermal loungers. Anton Loeb, Carnival Cruise Line’s assistant vice president, Sales & Marketing, said, “We’re excited to be providing our guests with a whole new spa experience and transformed spaces onboard Carnival Encounter.”
Carnival said access to the thermal suites will be available to book online in advance or onboard through the Cloud 9 Spa, with options that include a day pass or access for the full cruise. Loeb added, “Queenslanders are going to love the luxury of lying on a heated lounge while at sea, whether they choose to sail in summer, autumn, winter, or spring.”
Beyond the spa area, Carnival’s plan includes updates to outdoor amenities and activity spaces.
- Pools and whirlpools: All five pools are being revitalized, and all seven Jacuzzi tubs are being replaced, with refreshed surrounding areas as part of the shipyard work.
- Slides and sports: The Twin Racer water slides are being polished and refreshed, while the basketball court is receiving new hoops and netting.
- Guest comfort and upkeep: The refurbishment combines guest-facing improvements with maintenance work designed to keep public areas and key outdoor zones in updated condition.
Exterior makeover, technical servicing, and efficiency work
Alongside the guest-area changes, Carnival Encounter is receiving a new take on Carnival’s red, white and deep blue hull livery. The drydock scope also includes technical servicing and routine maintenance, plus energy-saving upgrades intended to improve efficiency.
Carnival is also making updates in crew areas while the ship is in the yard.
What’s next: March sailing back to Brisbane and ongoing itineraries
After the refurbishment, Carnival Encounter is scheduled to sail from Singapore on March 5 for its return to Australia. The 15-night repositioning voyage includes calls at Lombok and Benoa (Bali) in Indonesia, plus Cairns, Darwin and Airlie Beach in Australia, along with additional sea days, including eight days cruising in the waters of the South Pacific.
Once back in Brisbane, the ship is set to resume year-round departures with itineraries that include Australian and South Pacific destinations such as Airlie Beach and the Great Barrier Reef, along with sailings to Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
Ship background: from Star Princess to Carnival Encounter
Built by Fincantieri and launched in 2002, the ship originally entered service as Star Princess for Princess Cruises. It later sailed in the Australian market as Pacific Encounter with P&O Cruises Australia before transferring into the Carnival Cruise Line fleet in early 2025.
The vessel carries roughly 2,600 passengers and is one of Carnival Cruise Line’s ships based in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will Carnival Encounter return to Brisbane?
The ship is scheduled to depart Singapore on March 5, 2026, and arrive back in Brisbane on March 20.
What upgrades are included in the Singapore drydock?
The refurbishment includes the addition of Cloud 9 Spa Thermal Suites with saunas, steam rooms and heated thermal loungers, plus revitalized pools, replacement of all Jacuzzi tubs, refreshed Twin Racer water slides, and new hoops and netting for the basketball court. The project also includes a new take on Carnival’s red, white and deep blue hull livery, technical servicing, routine maintenance, energy-saving upgrades, and updates in crew areas.
How can guests book access to the Cloud 9 Spa Thermal Suites?
Carnival Cruise Line said access can be booked online in advance or onboard through the Cloud 9 Spa, with options including a day pass or access for the full cruise.
Where will Carnival Encounter sail after leaving the shipyard?
On the March 5 sailing back to Brisbane, the itinerary includes stops at Lombok and Benoa (Bali), plus Cairns, Darwin and Airlie Beach, along with additional sea days. After arriving in Brisbane, the ship is set to resume year-round itineraries that include the Great Barrier Reef and South Pacific destinations such as Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
What is the history of Carnival Encounter?
The ship was built by Fincantieri and launched in 2002, originally sailing as Star Princess for Princess Cruises. It later operated as Pacific Encounter for P&O Cruises Australia before joining Carnival Cruise Line in early 2025.
