Cruise Brisbane to Tropical North Queensland return (2026)
There's no place like home! This itinerary to the incredible Great Barrier Reef — one of the seven wonders of the natural world — will be one to remember!
With two ports from which you can explore the pristine reef, coral cays and tropical islands, take the opportunity to fall in love with Australia all over again.
Destinations
Brisbane ▶ Willis Island (Onboard Experience) ▶ Cairns ▶ Airlie Beach ▶ Brisbane
You can’t beat value for money with main meals, entertainment, stunning destinations and onboard activities – all included in the one low fare.
Activities
- Swimming pools
- Organised pool games
- Spas
- Fitness centre
- Jogging track
- A range of dance classes
- Trivia and game shows
- Organised crew vs guest games
- Karaoke
- Deck games, table tennis, deck chess, quoits, golf putting
- Cooking demonstrations
- Board games
Entertainment
- Production shows
- Guest entertainers and comedians
- Live music
- Cinema
- Party nights
- Big Screen (sports, recent release movies and more)
- Comedy
- Game shows
Your fare excludes:
- Travel Insurance
- Airfares
- Shore Excursions
- Day 1 - Brisbane
- Day 2 - At sea
- Day 3 - Willis Island (scenic cruising)
- Day 4 - Cairns
- Day 5 - Cairns
- Day 6 - Airlie Beach
- Day 7 - At sea
- Day 8 - Brisbane
Multiple Departures from September 2025 to July 2026
Below fares based on travel 20 March 2026
- Interior from $979 pp twin share / sole use $1,926 pp*
- Ocean View from $2,036 pp twin share / sole use $1,848 pp*
- Balcony from $2,536 pp twin share / sole use $2,198 pp*
- Suite from $1,824 pp twin share / sole use $3,616 pp*
*Advertised fares are available until allocation is exhausted and prices may fluctuate during the campaign period without notice.
Cruise on Carnival Encounter from Brisbane. Splurge and book a suite or mini-suite and along with a host of great benefits, select rooms will gain access to Byron Beach Club, our new private retreat with pool, spas and comfy seating, located on the top deck of the ship. Enjoy expansive views along with pure relaxation and a superior level of service for dining reservations, shore tours, embarkation and disembarkation. Guests will love the relaxed breakfast at Angelo’s as well as the healthy options from the Byron Beach menu throughout the day.
Experience what Australian celebrity chef, Luke Mangan, has to offer at Luke’s Bar & Grill. If you’re feeling more casual, check out Luke’s Burger Bar for al fresco burgers or try P&O Pizzeria for some delicious pizza options.
The Lobby, located on deck 5 is our favourite new hang out place, from morning to night. It is the perfect place to sit and watch the (ship’s) world go by. Choose from three fabulous bars for your favourite drink, a snack, a quick lunch, or a cheese platter.
Familiar favourites include Waterfront, Angelo’s and Dragon Lady or go casual in The Pantry. Check out the new P&O Trattoria on Level 7. Serving rustic, family-friendly Italian fare and freshly cooked pizza, P&O Trattoria offers a warm, relaxed atmosphere where fantastic food, good wine and wonderful service come together. Head to the child-free Oasis for a cocktail and a perfect view of the ship’s wake or the chilled-out vibe in the Ocean Bar, or for a true pub experience, head to Encounter Hotel.
At night, choose from live entertainment and lively signature P&O production shows including, Blanc de Blanc, a feast for the senses. On Pacific Encounter, there are more spaces to explore, more places to relax and more things to do.
Interior - Wake up with your loved ones! Our Interior rooms are perfect for both families and couples.
Oceanview - Oceanview rooms feature a window or porthole so you won’t miss a single ocean view.
Balcony - Open your doors and let the outside in! Make the most of your time at sea with your own private Balcony room.
Suite - Fresh air and far out views are all part of the furniture in our Suites. They offer the high life on the high seas.
Penthouse Suite - Take it all in with a balcony that look over everyone's favourite view - the ship's wake, priority spa and dinner reservations included and so much more.