The Carnival Encounter has sailed into drydock in Singapore for a range of upgrades, after which it is scheduled to return to Brisbane on March 20.

According to a press release, the makeover will see Carnival’s red, white and deep blue livery get a new look, paired with several updated features, including a new spa experience.

“We’re excited to be providing our guests with a whole new spa experience and transformed spaces onboard Carnival Encounter,” said Anton Loeb, Carnival Cruise Line assistant vice president Sales & Marketing.

“Queenslanders are going to love the luxury of lying on a heated lounge while at sea, whether they choose to sail in summer, autumn, winter or spring.”

Updates include a new Cloud 9 Spa Thermal Suites, featuring saunas, steam baths and heated thermal lounges.

Guests will be able to book access to the new thermal suites online ahead of time or onboard through the Cloud 9 Spa, with options for a day pass or a full‑cruise experience, the company said.

All five pools will be revitalized and all seven Jacuzzi tubs replaced, complete with newly refreshed surrounds.

Additionally, the onboard basketball court will get new hoops and netting, and the Twin Racer slides will be polished up.

The drydock program will also include various behind‑the‑scenes energy‑saving upgrades designed to improve onboard efficiency, and upgrades are underway in crew areas.

Following the refurbishment, the Carnival Encounter will depart Singapore on March 5, calling into Lombok and Bali enroute home to Brisbane.

The ship will then resume year-round sailings to Australian and South Pacific destinations, including Airlie Beach, Great Barrier Reef, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea.