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Carnival Encounter is preparing for a major dry dock, and cruise fans are watching closely to see what changes could be on the way.
Ever since the ship joined Carnival Cruise Line after the closure of P&O Cruises Australia, guests have wondered whether it would eventually receive the full “Carnival treatment” or continue to retain its original identity.
The ship will depart for Singapore on February 3, where it will undergo scheduled dry dock work before returning to Brisbane to resume its regular cruises.
Carnival Adventure, its sister ship, is expected to follow a similar upgrade schedule next year.
A Ship With a Unique Past Faces an Uncertain Future
Carnival Encounter first entered service in 2002, which means the vessel is approaching its 25-year milestone.
When Carnival absorbed the ship into its fleet following the shutdown of P&O Cruises Australia, only minor cosmetic changes were made.
Many of the original venues, restaurants, and design elements from its P&O days remain intact.
This has created a unique situation where the ship operates under the Carnival name but still feels like its former brand.
The upcoming dry dock could change that — or leave things mostly as they are.
Carnival has not revealed any official details, leaving guests guessing about the ship’s future look and onboard experience.
What Cruisers Are Hoping Will Be Added
One thing is clear: many guests want Carnival Encounter to offer the same features found across the rest of Carnival’s fleet.
Based on feedback from cruise passengers, the most requested additions include:
- 24-hour pizza availability.
- Free soft-serve ice cream stations.
- Guy’s Burger Joint.
- Carnival Deli dining options.
- Expanded food choices and casual dining venues.
- More onboard activities and entertainment.
These popular Carnival staples are considered part of the cruise line’s signature experience, and many passengers hope Carnival Encounter will finally receive them.
Potential Cabin Upgrades and Maintenance
Beyond dining and entertainment, passengers are also hoping to see improvements to the ship’s accommodations and public spaces.
Common upgrade requests include:
- Refreshed cabin interiors.
- Updated décor throughout the ship.
- General maintenance and modernization.
- Improved public areas and shared spaces.
However, because the ship is already more than two decades old, it’s unlikely Carnival will invest in a full structural overhaul.
More realistic expectations point toward cosmetic upgrades and operational improvements rather than a complete redesign.
The Emotional Connection to the Ship’s P&O Roots
For longtime fans of P&O Cruises Australia, Carnival Encounter holds sentimental value.
The ship still reflects many elements of its former brand, and some guests actually hope those features remain untouched.
A complete Carnival conversion would remove much of the ship’s original character and effectively erase one of the last remaining connections to the former cruise line.
This creates a divide among cruise fans:
- Some want a full Carnival transformation.
- Others want the ship’s original personality preserved.
Cruise Fans Share Their Upgrade Wish Lists
Passengers have been vocal about what they hope to see during the dry dock.
Some cruisers want major improvements, including:
- New waterslides.
- Modernized dining venues.
- More included food options.
- Updated entertainment and deck activities.
Others prefer a lighter touch, hoping Carnival focuses on maintenance without changing too much.
Many simply want the ship brought in line with Carnival’s current standards while preserving its familiar atmosphere.
Big Makeover or Minor Refresh?
The upcoming dry dock raises several key questions that remain unanswered:
- Will Carnival Encounter receive signature Carnival dining venues?
- Will cabins and public spaces be fully renovated or lightly refreshed?
- Will the ship lose its remaining P&O identity?
- Or will Carnival choose to preserve its existing character?
Until Carnival officially announces its plans, cruisers will have to wait and see.
One thing is certain — when Carnival Encounter returns to Australia, passengers will be watching closely to see how much has changed.
