P&O Cruises is adding an exciting new taste to cruising, announcing a special partnership with the award-winning Archie Rose Distilling Co. on its latest ship Pacific Explorer, which launches in June.
Guests on the 77,000-tonne superliner will be able to enjoy a tantalising list of cocktails in its premium cocktail bar, The Bonded Store, with every drink featuring Archie Rose’s handcrafted spirits.
In a first for an Australian-based ship, the popular craft distiller will also host special gin making and whisky master classes onboard P&Os Pacific Explorer cruises.
P&O Cruises President Sture Myrmell said the partnership with the Sydney-based Archie Rose was part of the ongoing evolution of P&O’s product, designed to capture the relaxed but stylish spirit of modern Australia.
“The small and hidden bar scene is incredibly popular on land so we’re taking the concept to sea with The Bonded Store which will feature a stylish and somewhat quirky décor in an intimate setting, as well as fantastic Archie Rose cocktails,” Mr Myrmell said.
“It’s another highlight for Pacific Explorer which really represents the next step in the evolution of P&O’s fleet.
“From lawn bowls on the deck to a delicious Negroni in The Bonded Store, Pacific Explorer will have some wonderful new experiences to offer which we think will be a huge hit with our guests.”
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Mr Myrmell said the pairing with Archie Rose was P&O’s first cocktail bar partnership.
“As Australia’s only home grown cruise line, we’re very proud to be stocking another premium Australian product on our ships.
“We put a lot of thought into The Bonded Store concept and we felt that Archie Rose had just the right flavour for the new bar, with spirits which are sophisticated, on-trend and delicious. The result is a classy venue, which will take people back to another cocktail era but still have some fun design elements – as well as a cocktail list which captures some fabulous flavours,” Mr Myrmell said.
Archie Rose Distilling Co. founder Will Edwards described the partnership with P&O as “a real privilege”.
“We can’t wait to deliver a new craft spirits experience for P&O’s guests and to showcase the innovation and quality of local Australian spirits,” Mr Edwards said.
The Archie Rose partnership is the latest development in a string of new offerings onboard Pacific Explorer. Other new features for the ship include a waterpark and two spectacular waterslides shooting over the side of the ship as well as a relaxed barefoot lawn bowls area.
Guests will also be able to enjoy an array of dining options including the sultry Asian dining venue, Dragon Lady, and the classic Italian restaurant Angelo’s, which have both proved a hit on Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden.
Presently sailing as Dawn Princess with sister line Princess Cruises, the Pacific Explorer will be refitted in May and June, sailing on her first cruise from Sydney on June 22. She will join P&O ships Pacific Dawn and Pacific Jewel as well as P&O’s latest additions, Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden, which debuted in late 2015.
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