Carnival Encounter 2025 review: Here’s everything you need to know
If you’re travelling as a family, once onboard, head straight up to Deck 15 to register your children at the kids’ club and sign in for any activities or permissions that require an adult signature. Kids aged under two can attend the Turtles Kids Club, a brand-new childcare program offering story time, crafts, dancing, and more under the guidance of qualified childcare professionals. Although the program provides minimal benefits for first-time users who don’t cruise frequently, it offers some attractive perks, including drinks, laundry, and other benefits, for regular cruisers in the higher membership tiers. Under the Sea is part of BetSoft’s impressive collection of 3D pokies, with the use of three-dimensional animation working awesomely with the underwater theme.

Before you start firing up the barbie and filling up the esky, get into the summer spirit with these lively and upbeat summer themed pokies, which are available to play for real money bets at the top-rated casinos on the Internet. Carnival Encounter offers an affordable and enjoyable cruise experience on a welcoming ship that overdelivers for the price. Multigenerational families in particular will love this ship as it offers something for everyone to enjoy, with no need to spend any extra unless you want to treat yourself to an extra special experience. With its glamorous bars, tasty fee-free specialty dining venues, attractive public spaces and first-class musical entertainment, Carnival Encounter offers an affordable mainstream cruise experience that over-delivers in multiple areas.
Our neighbour was a super snorer which we could hear through the interconnecting door which was funny. That said, this interconnecting cabin issue is the same on every ship and is only really an issue if you’re a light sleeper which we’re not. Boarding on Carnival Encounter is done using the Carnival HUB App, which is available for both Apple and Android devices. This convenient option is something P&O Cruises didn’t offer and means you can check in online for a more streamlined boarding process, plan your onboard activities, and pre-book dining in advance. Another helpful inclusion in the app is free messaging without having to purchase a Wi-Fi package, which makes it easy to stay in touch with friends and family on the same cruise. If you’re old school, you can also have a printout of all your documents so staff can scan them on arrival.
Carnival Encounter deck plan and finding your way around
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Given the high-quality animation, it’s a little reminiscent of Finding Nemo, although Under the Sea follows a theme entirely of its own. Amongst the coral, starfish and sea plants, the five-reels are filled with animated fish, sea creatures, treasure chests, pearls, sunken ships and treasure chests. The pearl hidden in an oyster acts as the games wild, which not only awards bigger wins but also works as a multiplier, awarding a X8 payout for three wild symbols in an active payline. An appearance of three treasure chests triggers the bonus game, where you get to hunt for treasure on the bottom of the ocean for the chance to win extra credits. Carnival Encounter offers a variety of dining options onboard, including several complimentary venues such as the Waterfront Restaurant and The Pantry, a buffet-style food court.
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There are waterslides on the pool deck plus pools and spas that are all worth a dip especially when the ship heads north or east for tropical island escapes. The main family pool on Deck 14 is popular for all and the separate kid’s pool has a retractable roof for weather protection. The last pool on Deck 14 in the Oasis which has a good view of the ship’s wake. The Bond Store bar on Deck 6 is decorated like a speakeasy and perfect for a romantic cocktail or small get-together. The Casino Bar is located in the casino (surprise, surprise) and is good for a grab-and-go beverage on your way to another lounge or bar unless you want to hit the tables or play the pokies.
The barista coffee onboard is very good and worth the spend but like most cruise ships, the free restaurant coffee is best avoided unless you’re (really, really) desperate for a caffeine hit. The standout during our sailing was Luke’s Bar and Grill, followed closely by our meal at Trattoria where the steak and the towering ice cream dessert were both standouts. We didn’t have dinner at Angelo’s as our cruise was only three nights but other passengers said they enjoyed it. Breakfast in Angelo’s is available for all guests, which is a change as this option used to only be available for Byron Beach Club guests. Byron Beach Club guests have a special entrance at Angelo’s on the left-hand side and extra complimentary hot dishes like eggs Benedict and minute steak and eggs.
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