Carnival Encounter
August 1, 2026

Brisbane, Australia, offers docking at Portside Wharf. Travelers explore South Bank and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Excursions visit Gold Coast beaches. Local markets sell lamingtons. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures urban rivers and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes barramundi, an Australian favorite. Souvenirs, like Aboriginal crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Yuggera history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Brisbane’s urban charm offers a vibrant Australian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural landmarks and scenic rivers, making Brisbane an engaging destination for exploration.

Kingston, Norfolk Island, Australia, has docking at Kingston Pier. Travelers explore UNESCO-listed convict ruins. Excursions visit Norfolk’s pine forests and Emily Bay. Local markets sell banana bread. The peak season, December to March, brings warm weather. Photography captures colonial sites and coral reefs. Dining onboard includes fish fry, a local favorite. Souvenirs, like pine crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover convict history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate. Comfortable shoes enhance ruin tours. Kingston’s historic serenity offers a tranquil Norfolk Island stop, blending heritage with island beauty.

Nuku’alofa, Tonga, provides docking at Nuku’alofa Port. Travelers explore the Royal Palace and Talamahu Market. Excursions visit Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Trilithon, a Polynesian Stonehenge. Local markets sell kava. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather for island tours. Photography captures royal landmarks and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes lu pulu, a Tongan dish. Souvenirs, like tapa cloth, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Polynesian monarchy history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance market walks. Nuku’alofa’s royal and cultural heritage offers a vibrant Tongan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites, island markets, and Polynesian traditions, making Nuku’alofa an engaging destination for exploring Tonga’s rich culture and beauty.

Bounty Islands, New Zealand, anchors offshore with zodiacs to islets. Travelers spot erect-crested penguins. Birdwatching includes Salvin’s albatross. No facilities; provisions from ship. Peak season December to March; weather unpredictable. Photography captures granite rocks. Dining limited to ship. Souvenirs include penguin postcards.

Suva, Fiji, offers docking at Suva Port. Travelers explore Fiji Museum and Colo-i-Suva Forest Park. Excursions include snorkeling at Beqa Lagoon. Local markets sell kava. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colonial buildings and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes lovo, a Fijian favorite. Souvenirs, like tapa crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Polynesian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Suva’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Fijian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites and tropical beauty, making Suva an engaging destination for exploring Fiji’s capital.

Dravuni Island, Fiji, has no docking; ships anchor offshore with zodiacs to white-sand beaches. Travelers snorkel coral reefs with tropical fish. Excursions explore village kava ceremonies. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather. Photography captures turquoise lagoons. Dining onboard includes lovo. Souvenirs, like tapa cloth, are available in ship shops. Briefings cover Fijian culture. Sun protection is essential. Dravuni’s idyllic shores offer a serene South Pacific escape.

Port Vila, Efate, Vanuatu, offers docking at Port Vila Port. Travelers explore Mele Cascades and Iririki Island. Excursions include snorkeling at Hideaway Island. Local markets sell laplap. The peak season, September to March, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures waterfalls and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes coconut crab, a Ni-Vanuatu favorite. Souvenirs, like shell crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Melanesian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Port Vila’s tropical charm offers a vibrant Vanuatu stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural waterfalls and marine adventures, making Port Vila an engaging destination for exploration.

Returning to Brisbane — see Day 1 above for port info.