Packed full of surprises, P&O Pacific Explorer debuts in June after a multi-million-dollar refurbishment.
Promised to be the cruise ship for Australian families, the newest P&O vessel to sail in Australian waters will feature two new waterslides, a barefoot bowls area, an elegant supper club and other new amenities.
For the kids
The fun starts on the top decks with two spectacular waterslides shooting over the side of the ship featuring a section of transparent tubing, as well as multi-coloured lighting effects.
Guests of all ages will be able to enjoy the waterpark with a shaded area for kids featuring a dumping bucket and oversized water toys.
Kids will love The P&O Edge Adventure Park, featuring adrenaline-rush activities such as the 80-metre flying fox, a funnel abseil, walking the plank experience and the crowd favourites of laser tag, crow’s nest climb, bungee tramp and the chance to have your very own Titanic moment at the front of the ship.
Dining
Dining is always a highlight of a cruise and Pacific Explorer is sure to impress.
Guests will be able to enjoy a slice of Italy with a new pizza restaurant offering gourmet pizzas and share platters, while the cruise line’s popular international food market place, The Pantry, will be extended to include a ninth outlet, Nic and Toni’s, serving Mediterranean cuisine.
Poolside gourmet snacks will be served from the Lobster & Burger bar (small surcharge applies), serving delicious lobster and seafood rolls, buckets of prawns, as well as premium beef and pulled pork burgers.
Pacific Explorer will be the first P&O ship in Australia to introduce a new supper club venue for adults, The Black Circus, offering delicious dining options served with a side of cabaret-style entertainment.
In addition to the popular Waterfront restaurant, two new dining venues – first introduced on Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden – will also be featured, Angelo’s, serving contemporary Italian cuisine, and the sultry Asian dining venue Dragon Lady. Be sure to book these included restaurants as space is limited.
Salt Grill by Luke Mangan has proven to be a popular paid dining venue onboard P&O ships often booking out on day one. The celebrity Steakhouse serves prime-cut steaks matched with fresh and seasonal produce with all chefs trained by Luke Mangan.
Be sure to order the crab omelette and truffled mash potatoes with your steak and don’t miss the signature liquorice parfait with lime syrup for dessert. Simply delicious!
Tip: Reserve your table the day you board your cruise as seats are limited in speciality dining venues and book out quickly.
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Décor
Announcing details of the refurbishment, P&O Cruises President Sture Myrmell said Pacific Explorer’s décor would reflect modern Australia, combining elegance with relaxed comfort to create the striking contemporary look which has become a trademark of the P&O fleet.
Mr Myrmell said the P&O team had a lot of fun designing Pacific Explorer.
“We’ve taken the winning features of our existing ships, then added a whole new layer of excitement with some big wow moments like the waterslides as well as new concepts like the bowling green and a stunning hidden bar, which we think will put a smile on our guest’s faces,” Mr Myrmell said.
“It really will be a ship that offers something for everyone.”
Southern Cross
The Southern Cross is a national symbol in both Australia and New Zealand and a celestial constellation that has guided generations of seafarers. This iconic symbol will feature as a new symbol across the bow.
“We couldn’t think of a more powerful symbol to launch Pacific Explorer’s new era of local cruising than the Southern Cross,” added Mr Myrmell. “It is a symbol that is close to our hearts as Australia’s home brand cruise line and it strikes a chord with our many Australian and New Zealand guests.
“The Southern Cross is also an ageless pointer to contemporary cruising and the region in which our ships sail. We are proud to unveil Pacific Explorer’s ‘Sailing Stars’ design.”
Inaugural sailing
Currently sailing as Dawn Princess, the 77,000-tonne Pacific Explorer will be refitted during a dry-dock refurbishment May and June. Her first cruise will sail from Sydney on June 22 with cabins still available for the inaugural sailing.
She will join other P&O sister ships already based in Australia, Pacific Dawn and Pacific Jewel as well as P&O’s latest additions, Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden.
For more information or to book your cruise, call our Guest Contact Centre today.
