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Pacific Encounter

P&O's second Grand Class ship, the Pacific Encounter, (previously the Star Princess from Princess Cruises fleet) will begin cruising from Brisbane in November 2021. The Pacific Encounter joins her sister ship the Pacific Adventure (also previously a Princess ship) to replace P&O's Pacific Dawn and Aria. She will be refitted to include the many family friendly activities and signature restaurants that P&O are renowned for. From Brisbane, Pacific Encounter will operate cruises to the South Pacific islands and along the Queensland coastline.
SHIP TYPE
Large Cruise Ship
PASSENGERS
2,600
CREW
1,100
LAUNCHED
2021
REFURBISHED
N/A

Pacific Encounter Cruises View all Choose from 141 holidays cruising on board the Pacific Encounter

5 Days Brisbane to Brisbane

Operator: P&O Cruises

From 569

7 Days Brisbane to Brisbane

Operator: P&O Cruises

From 719

8 Days Brisbane to Brisbane

Operator: P&O Cruises

From 764

11 Days Brisbane to Brisbane

Operator: P&O Cruises

From 1,079

Pacific Encounter Reviews (9) 20 reviews of Pacific Encounter from past clients of Global Journeys

3.9
AVG. RATING 3.9 / 5
9 Reviews
5 Star
44%
4 Star
11%
3 Star
33%
2 Star
11%
1 Star
Whitsunday Cruise - Wow!     3 , QLD, Australia, Oct 2023
For a first cruise the Whitsunday cruise is unbeatable. The P&O terminal and onboard staff, from your welcome to your farewell, are so helpful. An abundance of activities for kids and adults to do. The menus at every eatery and restaurant provide a great choice for dining. Rooms are clean and the beds are so comfy. Easy and well organised tender service ...read more into Airley Beach to partake of the onshore activities. If you haven't done it yet, book your cruise now!
Family holiday   1 , Qld, Australia, Oct 2023
We went along to celebrate our daughter's birthday. 4 adjoining rooms (thanks Georgie) meant we were together. Food was great, rooms OK, not so but adequate. We had a good time with a lot of other people. Adults only pool horrible as to the smokers being there so no bonus for us but overall a good trip spend with the family.
Barrier Reef Discovery     3 , New Zealand, Sep 2023
Global Journeys and particularly Rachael were beyond helpful and easy to deal with, even though we were in different countries - Thank you Rachael. It was the first cruise my husband and I have ever been on and so have nothing to compare it with but we did enjoy the cruise. The entertainment was top notch and the food was good too. I would recommend ...read more the drinks package even though we did not drink anything like 15 drinks a day - it is still the cheaper option. Our balcany room was great - I even saw a mother whale with her baby on her back swim right below our deck - unfortunately I did not have my camera - pooh! I recommend booking excursions with P&O because it is difficult to match times with external companies and we had to forgo one of our bookings or miss the boat. All in all - a great experience - thank you.
Cruise was awesome     2 , QLD, Australia, Jun 2023
Our cruise was awesome. Weather was fabulous. Saw a few whales and some dolphins. Airlie Beach was lovely as usual. Will go there again but will probably do another one a bit longer. Global Journeys were awesome and Jemma was fantastic - will definitely deal with her again.
Cruise in South Pavigiv   3 , QLD, Australia, May 2023
I think the boat was too crowded. Hard to join in some activities. Lack of room and/or poor room set up. Service was exceptional. Food was acceptable. On shore excursions were the highlight for me. Tracey was amazing and I have already recommended Global Journeys to my friends.
Barrier reef cruise   2 , WA, Australia, Apr 2023
Global journey did a great job - clear and quick communication, that's why we are back! Thanks Jemma. The holiday was beautiful, Queensland has a lot to offer, we loved the ports, live music and cocktails, dance classes and yoga. Food was great.
Average cruise, disappointing service.     6 , QLD, Australia, Dec 2022
The cruise was a really good short break, just what we needed. It was a nice break from everything, and we really liked not having to plan anything every day. The balcony in our cabin was great, larger than on other ships we've been on, and it got the sun for most of the day. The room was nice too, although the shower/bathroom was very small but adequate.

The ...read more food was below average, a little worse than what you'd expect from a Sizzler restaurant. Adequate but not great for a holiday. We expected a bit better. The service for drinks was quite slow, with long queues at the bar all the time. Queues were especially long at the adults-only area at the back of the boat, where we spent most of our time as the other pools had lots of families and kids.

Definitely dress up for the Gatsby Night and White Night. It was quite fun and the majority of people on board were dressed up from 5pm onwards. The comedy shows were good too.

Our phones managed to get some reception a few times a day while we were on board, mostly when we were on the top decks. This was good enough to send and receive a few messages and emails, but we were without internet most of the day, which was fine with us. Otherwise, you would need to buy the internet plan.

We had the full refreshments package, but it didn't include "Sparkling Water" at the restaurants, so we were charged for it. When we went to customer service to ask about the charges, they wouldn't refund it and told us we should have ordered "Soda Water" instead. This was quite disappointing. The staff doing table service should have told us when ordering.

All in all, the ship was ok and the people were nice. Food could have been better, staff and service was disappointing.
Average   20 , QLD, Australia, Aug 2022
We were disappointed in that we asked friends to cruise with us and their rooms were very poor indeed. The rooms at the end of the ship had such serious vibrations that neither could sleep properly on several nights. The staff were great. The food was excellent. The trouble is if you get no sleep who wants to go? One couple was compensated with ...read more a free meal on the last night. I feel bad because I recommended the the cruise. It won't be happening again!
Sailing up the Queensland coast   19 , QLD, Australia, Aug 2022
We enjoyed our trip with P&O. The service, food, staff were wonderful. However, our cabin had severe vibration due to it's location at the back. Other friends on board did not have this and so if you can, avoid the room at the back.

Life on Board Pacific Encounter What can you expect when cruising on board Pacific Encounter

P&O's Pacific Encounter
P&O's Pacific Encounter

P&O's second, Grand Class ship, the Pacific Encounter will begin cruising from Brisbane in November 2021. Read more

Something for Everyone!
Something for Everyone!

There's something for every member of the family, with many exciting experiences included in your fare, you can try it all again, and again. Read more

Onboard Activities
Onboard Activities

Try out one of the many adventure activities, launch yourself down a waterslide or perhaps Barefoot Bowls is your cup of tea? Read more

Nightlife
Nightlife

Live music, bars and exciting and exclusive shows been especially designed for P&O Cruises. Read more

Dining
Dining

Three stylish, a la carte restaurants and nine casual eateries are included in your cruise fare. Read more

Themed Cruises
Themed Cruises

From food & wine festivals to comedy & country music, themed cruises are the perfect getaway. Read more

Pacific Encounter Deck Plans

IF
Interior
IC
Interior
OC
Oceanview
OF
Oceanview
Deck 5
Deck 6
Deck 7
IC
Interior
IE
Interior
IF
Interior
OI
Oceanview (Interconnecting - Obstructed View)
OY
Oceanview (Obstructed View)
OV
Oceanview (Obstructed View)
OW
Oceanview (Obstructed View)
B2
Balcony
BF
Balcony
ME
Mini-Suite
SV
Suite (Byron Beach Club Access)
Deck 8
IB
Interior
ID
Interior
IE
Interior
B2
Balcony
MB
Mini-Suite
MD
Mini-Suite
MA
Mini-Suite
M1
Mini-Suite (Byron Beach Club Access)
SV
Suite (Byron Beach Club Access)
S8
Suite (Two Bedroom) (Byron Beach Club Access)
Deck 9
IE
Interior
IA
Interior
IB
Interior
ID
Interior
II
Interior (Interconnecting)
B2
Balcony
BD
Balcony
BE
Balcony
BI
Balcony (Interconnecting)
PB
Suite (Byron Beach Club Access)
SV
Suite (Byron Beach Club Access)
PA
Suite (Byron Beach Club Access)
Deck 10
ID
Interior
IB
Interior
IA
Interior
IE
Interior
II
Interior (Interconnecting)
BE
Balcony
BD
Balcony
BB
Balcony
BA
Balcony
GS
Suite (Byron Beach Club Access)
PA
Suite (Byron Beach Club Access)
OS
Suite (Byron Beach Club Access)
Deck 11
IF
Interior
IE
Interior
IC
Interior
IB
Interior
OP
Oceanview (Porthole)
BC
Balcony
BB
Balcony
BF
Balcony
BE
Balcony
Deck 12
IF
Interior
IC
Interior
BC
Balcony
BF
Balcony
Deck 14
Deck 15
Deck 16-17-18

Pacific Encounter Cabins

Inside

Interior

Wake up with your loved ones! Equipped with everything you need, it's the perfect sanctuary after a full day of adventure on deck and ashore. Room images are for illustration purposes only. Includes ensuite bathroom, wardrobe and dressing area, Flat-screen TV, personally-controlled air con, in-room safe, desk & chair. Room serviced twice daily, room service (costs apply), fresh towels each day (on request) & hairdryer.

Inside

Interior (Interconnecting)

Interconnected interior cabins, ideal for families and equipped with everything you need. Room images are for illustration purposes only. Includes ensuite bathroom, wardrobe and dressing area, Flat-screen TV, personally-controlled air con, in-room safe, desk & chair. Room serviced twice daily, room service (costs apply), fresh towels each day (on request) & hairdryer.

Oceanview

Oceanview

Oceanview rooms feature a window so you can let that natural light stream in. Welcome to your cosy sanctuary, equipped with everything you need. The perfect sanctuary after a full day of adventure on deck and ashore. Room images are for illustration purposes only. Includes ensuite bathroom, wardrobe and dressing area, Flat-screen TV, personally-controlled air con, in-room safe, desk & chair. Room serviced twice daily, room service (costs apply), fresh towels each day (on request) & hairdryer.

Oceanview

Oceanview (Interconnecting - Obstructed View)

Interconnected oceanview rooms feature a window so you can let that natural light stream in but view is obstructed. The perfect sanctuary after a full day of adventure on deck and ashore. Room images are for illustration purposes only. Includes ensuite bathroom, wardrobe and dressing area, Flat-screen TV, personally-controlled air con, in-room safe, desk & chair. Room serviced twice daily, room service (costs apply), fresh towels each day (on request) & hairdryer.

Oceanview

Oceanview (Obstructed View)

Oceanview rooms feature a window so you can let that natural light stream in but view is obstructed. The perfect sanctuary after a full day of adventure on deck and ashore. Room images are for illustration purposes only. Includes ensuite bathroom, wardrobe and dressing area, Flat-screen TV, personally-controlled air con, in-room safe, desk & chair. Room serviced twice daily, room service (costs apply), fresh towels each day (on request) & hairdryer.

Oceanview

Oceanview (Porthole)

Oceanview rooms feature a porthole so you can let that natural light stream in. Welcome to your cosy sanctuary, equipped with everything you need. The perfect sanctuary after a full day of adventure on deck and ashore. Room images are for illustration purposes only. Includes ensuite bathroom, wardrobe and dressing area, Flat-screen TV, personally-controlled air con, in-room safe, desk & chair. Room serviced twice daily, room service (costs apply), fresh towels each day (on request) & hairdryer.

Balcony

Balcony

Open your doors and let the outside in! Make the most of your time at sea with your own private Balcony Room and enjoy all the beauty of living on the ocean. Room images are for illustration purposes only. Includes private balcony with outdoor furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows, ensuite bathroom, wardrobe and dressing area, Flat-screen TV, personally-controlled air con, fridge, in-room safe, desk & chair. Room serviced twice daily, room service (costs apply), fresh towels each day (on request) & hairdryer.

Balcony

Balcony (Interconnecting)

Make the most of your family time at sea with your own private Interconnecting Balcony Room and enjoy all the beauty of living on the ocean. Room images are for illustration purposes only. Includes private balcony with outdoor furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows, ensuite bathroom, wardrobe and dressing area, Flat-screen TV, personally-controlled air con, fridge, in-room safe, desk & chair. Room serviced twice daily, room service (costs apply), fresh towels each day (on request) & hairdryer.

Suite

Mini-Suite

Fresh air and far out views are all part of the furniture in P&O's Mini-Suites. Room images are for illustration purposes only. Includes private balcony with outdoor furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows, bathrobe and slippers, fridge, fresh fruit basket, priority embarkation, ensuite bathroom, wardrobe and dressing area, Flat-screen TV, personally-controlled air con, in-room safe, desk & chair. Room serviced twice daily, room service (costs apply), fresh towels each day (on request) & hairdryer.

Suite

Mini-Suite (Byron Beach Club Access)

P&O's Byron Beach Club Mini-Suites include access to the Byron Beach Club. Room images are for illustration purposes only. Includes private balcony with outdoor furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows, bathrobe and slippers, fridge, fresh fruit basket, priority embarkation, ensuite bathroom, wardrobe and dressing area, Flat-screen TV, personally-controlled air con, in-room safe, desk & chair. Room serviced twice daily, room service (costs apply), fresh towels each day (on request) & hairdryer.

Suite

Suite (Byron Beach Club Access)

P&O's Byron Beach Club Suites include access to the Byron Beach Club. Room images are for illustration purposes only. Includes private balcony with outdoor furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows, bathrobe and slippers, fridge, coffee machine, fresh fruit basket, priority embarkation, ensuite bathroom, wardrobe and dressing area, Flat-screen TV, personally-controlled air con, in-room safe, desk & chair. Room serviced twice daily, room service (costs apply), fresh towels each day (on request) & hairdryer.

Suite

Suite (Family)

The 5 Berth Family Suites are spacious and inviting, have a window and are conveniently located on Deck 6 and right in the heart of the restaurants, Atrium and entertainment areas. Includes bathrobe and slippers, fridge, coffee machine, fresh fruit basket, priority embarkation, ensuite bathroom, wardrobe and dressing area, Flat-screen TV, personally-controlled air con, in-room safe, desk & chair. Room serviced twice daily, room service (costs apply), fresh towels each day (on request) & hairdryer. No access to the Byron Beach Club. Room images are for illustration purposes only.

Suite

Suite (Two Bedroom) (Byron Beach Club Access)

Byron Beach Club Two Bedroom Suites include access to the Byron Beach Club. Room images are for illustration purposes only. Includes private balcony with outdoor furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows, bathrobe and slippers, fridge, coffee machine, fresh fruit basket, priority embarkation, ensuite bathroom, wardrobe and dressing area, Flat-screen TV, personally-controlled air con, in-room safe, desk & chair. Room serviced twice daily, room service (costs apply), fresh towels each day (on request) & hairdryer.

Pacific Encounter Cruise Schedule All 141 cruise sailings by departure date on board Pacific Encounter

Starts Days Name Itinerary From
Saturday
06 Jan 2024
8 Barrier Reef Discovery Cruise Brisbane to Brisbane 1,271
Saturday
13 Jan 2024
8 Pacific Island Hopper Brisbane to Brisbane 996
Saturday
20 Jan 2024
4 Comedy Cruise Brisbane to Brisbane 376
Tuesday
23 Jan 2024
5 Whitsundays Cruise Brisbane to Brisbane 743
Saturday
27 Jan 2024
8 Barrier Reef Discovery Cruise Brisbane to Brisbane 849
Saturday
03 Feb 2024
8 Pacific Island Hopper Brisbane to Brisbane 787
Saturday
10 Feb 2024
5 Whitsundays Cruise Brisbane to Brisbane 626
Wednesday
14 Feb 2024
11 New Guinea Island Encounter Brisbane to Brisbane 996
Saturday
24 Feb 2024
15 Kiwi Adventure Brisbane to Brisbane 1,709
Saturday
09 Mar 2024
4 Comedy Cruise Brisbane to Brisbane 407
Tuesday
12 Mar 2024
5 Whitsundays Cruise Brisbane to Brisbane 693
Saturday
16 Mar 2024
8 Barrier Reef Discovery Cruise Brisbane to Brisbane 842
Saturday
23 Mar 2024
4 Comedy Cruise Brisbane to Brisbane 384
Tuesday
26 Mar 2024
5 Tribute to The King Brisbane to Brisbane 569
Saturday
30 Mar 2024
8 Pacific Island Hopper Brisbane to Brisbane 942
Saturday
06 Apr 2024
8 Pacific Island Hopper Brisbane to Brisbane 942
Saturday
13 Apr 2024
4 80's Cruise Brisbane to Brisbane 450
Tuesday
16 Apr 2024
5 Whitsundays Cruise Brisbane to Brisbane 644
Saturday
20 Apr 2024
4 Comedy Cruise Brisbane to Brisbane 402
Tuesday
23 Apr 2024
11 New Guinea Island Encounter Brisbane to Brisbane 1,156
Friday
03 May 2024
8 Pacific Island Hopper Brisbane to Brisbane 1,059
Friday
10 May 2024
4 Comedy Cruise Brisbane to Brisbane 379
Monday
13 May 2024
13 Fiji Adventure Brisbane to Brisbane 1,487
Saturday
25 May 2024
8 Barrier Reef Discovery Cruise Brisbane to Brisbane 820
Saturday
01 Jun 2024
5 Whitsundays Cruise Brisbane to Brisbane 480
Wednesday
05 Jun 2024
11 New Guinea Island Encounter Brisbane to Brisbane 1,127
Saturday
15 Jun 2024
4 Comedy Cruise Brisbane to Brisbane 381
Tuesday
18 Jun 2024
5 Whitsundays Cruise Brisbane to Brisbane 489
Saturday
22 Jun 2024
8 Pacific Island Hopper Brisbane to Brisbane 728
Saturday
29 Jun 2024
8 Barrier Reef Discovery Brisbane to Brisbane 775
Saturday
06 Jul 2024
4 Comedy Cruise Brisbane to Brisbane 359
Tuesday
09 Jul 2024
5 Whitsundays Cruise Brisbane to Brisbane 471
Saturday
13 Jul 2024
15 Bounty Adventure Brisbane to Brisbane 2,223
Saturday
27 Jul 2024
8 Barrier Reef Discovery Brisbane to Brisbane 764
Saturday
03 Aug 2024
8 Pacific Island Hopper Brisbane to Brisbane 775
Saturday
10 Aug 2024
5 Whitsundays Cruise Brisbane to Brisbane 471
Wednesday
14 Aug 2024
11 New Guinea Island Encounter Brisbane to Brisbane 944
Saturday
24 Aug 2024
4 80's Cruise Brisbane to Brisbane 404
Tuesday
27 Aug 2024
5 Whitsundays Cruise Brisbane to Brisbane 471
Saturday
31 Aug 2024
8 Barrier Reef Discovery Brisbane to Brisbane 764
Saturday
07 Sep 2024
4 Comedy Cruise Brisbane to Brisbane 386
Tuesday
10 Sep 2024
5 Whitsundays Cruise Brisbane to Brisbane 449
Saturday
14 Sep 2024
8 Pacific Island Hopper Brisbane to Brisbane 809
Saturday
21 Sep 2024
8 Pacific Island Hopper Brisbane to Brisbane 820
Saturday
28 Sep 2024
4 Comedy Cruise Brisbane to Brisbane 386
Tuesday
01 Oct 2024
5 Whitsundays Cruise Brisbane to Brisbane 449
Saturday
05 Oct 2024
8 Barrier Reef Discovery Brisbane to Brisbane 809
Saturday
12 Oct 2024
5 Whitsundays Cruise Brisbane to Brisbane 471
Wednesday
16 Oct 2024
11 New Guinea Island Encounter Brisbane to Brisbane 957
Saturday
26 Oct 2024
4 Comedy Cruise Brisbane to Brisbane 386
Cruise Content
Cabin images are sourced from P&O Cruises. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on sailing dates.