Itinerary

Day 1 Aug 15, 2026 Brisbane Departs 15:00 They don’t call it the Sunshine State for nothing, and Brisbane’s modern metropolis fully exploits its sun-blessed location, basking in Queensland’s generous year-round glow. The envied climate makes Brisbane a city of outdoor adventure, activity and relaxation, where days drift by surfing rollers, or relaxing in the shade of swaying palms. While Brisbane may play second fiddle to Sydney and Melbourne at times, it radiates a creative and contemporary energy, offering visitors a refreshing combination of laidback waterfront luxury and urban sophistication. Sandy islands nearby provide scenic diving and oceanside relaxation opportunities, while the city's animal santuaries offer opportunities to meet unbearably cute koalas and kangaroos. Brisbane’s impressive skyline of metallic cylinders rises high above the broad Brisbane River below, which curves lazily through downtown. The rolling waves of the Pacific are close by, but there’s something special about relaxing on soft sand in the very heart of the city, on the beautifully executed South Bank Parklands man-made beach. With golden sand and shallow lagoon waters to cool off in, it’s a dreamy spot to lie back with a book, amid the landscaped gardens. Nestled in a river meander of its own, Brisbane Botanic Park glows with colour, tropical plants and wading ibis birds, and is easily walkable from the Parklands. The South Bank is the cultural hub of city, and houses the celebrated Queensland Gallery of Modern Art - a surreal and vibrant jaunt through contemporary Australian art. The city’s award-winning restaurants also serve up elite food, matched with generous splashes of wine, direct from the nearby Granite Belt’s wine regions. Brisbane port guide Search cruises visiting Brisbane

Day 3 Aug 17, 2026 Airlie Beach 07:00 – 17:00 10.0 hrs ashore With the finest powder sand, knots of deep green rainforest and ankle-deep shelves of turquoise sea water - Airlie Beach is your gateway to some of the world’s most spectacular beaches. This lively town welcomes wide-eyed young adventurers and the yachting crowd alike to the Whitsunday Islands’ serenity, and the hiss of espresso machines, and excited chatter of adventure, spills out from its many cafes and bars. Relax at Airlie Beach Lagoon – the social hub of this town - where sun-heated saltwater invites you to wade, before flaming fresh coral trout over a barbecue as the sun sets. Or, take a seat at one of the glorious restaurants offering uninterrupted views out over the waters of Pioneer Bay, towards the 74 islands that make up the Whitsundays. These heavenly waters don't just attract humans. Humpback and pilot whales also migrate here to indulge in the warm waters and sheltered location. Spot the majestic creatures breaching and gulping in huge gasps of oxygen as you explore. Feeling adventurous? Rainforest walks to secluded pebble beaches await at Conway National Park, where difficulty-graded walking trails are available. Dive among swirls of jewel-coloured marine life, or experience the thrill of skimming into the sky on a seaplane. Take off to admire the scattered island paradises below from a stunning new aerial perspective, before landing and enjoying a picnic amid Whitehaven Beach’s bliss. Airlie Beach port guide Search cruises visiting Airlie Beach

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 82-day span: $559 · range $559–$795

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

from $670

$167 / night

Fare rows

Inside

Cabin grade

Available

from $670

$167 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Interior

Cabin grade

Available

from $677

$169 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Interior

Cabin grade

Available

from $679

$169 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Interior

Cabin grade

Available

from $684

$171 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Interior

Cabin grade

Available

from $686

$171 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Interior

Cabin grade

Available

from $691

$172 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Interior

Cabin grade

Available

from $697

$174 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Interior

Cabin grade

Available

from $822

$205 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Interior

Cabin grade

Available

from $822

$205 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Interior

Cabin grade

Available

from $822

$205 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Interior

Cabin grade

Available

from $824

$206 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Interior

Cabin grade

Available

from $829

$207 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Interior

Cabin grade

Available

from $832

$208 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Interior

Cabin grade

Available

from $835

$208 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Oceanview

Not available

Balcony

from $808

$202 / night

Fare rows

Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $808

$202 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $808

$202 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $815

$203 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $815

$203 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $953

$238 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $953

$238 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $953

$238 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Suite

Not available

Prices verified Jul 1, 2026

Prices come from third-party data feeds via Carnival Cruise Line and may differ from the cruise line's current fare. Confirm the final price before booking. How our pricing works

Show all 28 cabin grades

Cabin grades and pricing
Name	Supplier code	Type
Balcony	8A	Balcony
Balcony	8B	Balcony
Balcony	8C	Balcony
Balcony	8D	Balcony
Extended Aft-Facing Balcony	8M	Balcony
Balcony	BL	Balcony
Interior	4A	Inside
Interior	4B	Inside
Interior	4C	Inside
Interior	4D	Inside
Interior	4E	Inside
Interior	4F	Inside
Interior	4G	Inside
Interior	4H	Inside
Inside	IS	Inside
Obstructed Ocean View	5A	Oceanview
Ocean View	6A	Oceanview
Ocean View	6B	Oceanview
Ocean View	OV	Oceanview
Porthole	PT	Oceanview
Byron Ocean Suite	BY	Suite
Byron Extended Suite	EB	Suite
Byron Family Ocean View Suite	FB	Suite
Byron Grand Suite	GB	Suite
Ocean Suite	OS	Suite
Ocean Suite	OT	Suite
Byron Presidential Suite	SB	Suite
Byron Vista Suite	VB	Suite

Ship

Your ship Carnival Encounter 5★ Carnival Encounter ship guide Search cruises on Carnival Encounter

Similar cruises

Other sailing dates

Same itinerary, different dates. Prices per person · incl. taxes & fees.

Other available sailing dates
View	From pp	Departs
	from $3,920 $980 / night	Jul 14, 2026
	from $593 $148 / night	Sep 1, 2026
	from $552 $138 / night	Sep 14, 2026
	from $535 $133 / night	Oct 13, 2026
	from $465 $116 / night	Nov 3, 2026