Pacific Explorer Cruises

Life aboard Pacific Explorer
Pacific Explorer sails from Sydney until October 2020. Comedy Cruises are 3-night breaks from the office, that offer fun while going nowhere. There are four-night cruises from Sydney to Moreton Bay, 5-nights to Tasmania, and 7-night cruises to Gladstone and the Sunshine Coast. Each year a 6-night cruise departs Sydney for Melbourne to take in the Melbourne Cup, staying two nights. Tickets and transfers to the Cup are included (with option to upgrade to P&O Enclosure). Meanwhile, Pacific Explorer runs cruises of 7 to 16 nights to the South Pacific islands, including Norfolk Island, as well as the popular ports in PNG, Tonga, Fiji, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu. In January 2020 Explorer takes a 14-night cruise to Singapore (for refitting) and returns in February/March. On either voyage there are a few interesting ports in Indonesia and Timor Leste to explore. From November 2020 Explorer departs for its new home base in Brisbane, sailing to PNG, South Pacific islands and the Great Barrier Reef. There’s a Melbourne Cup cruise of 7 nights departing Brisbane 31 October 2020. Cup entrance fees are included, and stay overnight on the ship.

At 77,000 GT Pacific Explorer is the largest ship in the fleet, completely made over for P&O clientele in 2017. Her new 2017 look added great changes in dining, entertainment and recreational offerings. This large resort ship gives the feel of uncrowded luxury, with access to a wide range of public rooms. The interiors are attractive and warm, and the glassed-in upper decks provide plenty of light and connections with the outside world. The two show lounges and poolside Movie Screen features Australian entertainers, comedians, TV, movies and sports games. Gratuities are included in your fare.

Accommodation
Accommodation includes 410 balcony rooms that include Suites with balcony, Mini-Suites with balcony, and Balcony. Balconies may have either solid steel or toughened glass railings. Also there are 11 grades of Oceanview and Interior staterooms. The recent re-build provides for 22 inter-connecting pairs of cabins for families, and many cabins have a third or fourth bed available. All cabins are spacious with wardrobes, ensuites, and twin beds mostly convertible to queen size. Facilities include flat screen TV, fridge, personal safe, and an interactive video system. Outside cabins have a large window or porthole in the case of a few. Interconnecting cabins for families and groups allow quad-quad, twin-quad, triple-triple, and twin-twin bedding.

The Mini-Suites come with tub and shower and a range of extras, and can accommodate three or four. (Check out whether the deck 11 Suites allow for night-time quietness.) Note that room-service meals come at extra charge. Sixteen cabins are wheelchair accessible. Cots are available for children under three years. The entire ship has been newly re-carpeted and staterooms refreshed. Smoking is only permitted in designated smoking areas, and excludes staterooms and balconies.

Food and Dining
Dining-wise, there are multiple eateries onboard Pacific Explorer. Dining is where and when you like: “Your Choice Dining” at two main dining options, the formal Waterfront Restaurant (and dress up for the occasional formal dinner), and the casual Pantry with its contemporary café vibe. Designed as an international food market, The Pantry has nine cuisine selections, the ninth in the evening being Shell & Bones seafood. Also head for Angelo’s for Italian and Dragon Lady for Asian delights. There are four alternative (pay extra) options. The line’s celebrity chef Luke Mangan offers his Salt Grill steak and seafood restaurant., and for an exceptional evening make a reservation at Chef’s Table, which include a tour of the galley and commentary by the Executive Chef. 400 Gradi Pizzeria serves great pizzas at a price.

Casual dining options start with the al fresco Grill (pay) next to the pool for breakfast, lunch and through the evening. Also there is The Café for coffee and muffins and the like. Socialise at the many bars and lounges. There’s also the Love Riot pre-show dinner one can reserve. Families are well catered for: Children have their own menu changed daily in the Waterfront restaurant, and they may dine early. The crew have a name for friendliness and the food selection is plentiful and varied. Book dietary requests 60 days ahead of time.

Entertainment
The main attractions are the destinations: the South Pacific, New Zealand, and southern Australia. During sea days there’s plenty of activity day and night to keep you entertained. In the evening having two show lounges (both theatre and cabaret style) is a great way to give passengers more entertainment choices. The Love Riot main show attracts an extra charge for cocktail & souvenir glass; more for a degustation dinner. View all the action and latest movies on the Big Screen day and night on the pool deck. Other entertainment includes game shows and the adults-only Sit Down Comedy Club. On the Promenade deck is the dance floor. There are multiple bars and a casino, much live music and karaoke.

By day guests can join in a variety of organised activities such as bingo. Alternatively, just stroll around and shop duty-free, or for a quiet time retire to the Library/Card Room or Internet Café. An aft deck offers an adults-only Oasis spa area, complete with wicker beds, lounges, ottomans, pool and hot tubs. On Deck 12 are the health, spa and fitness centres, and HQ and HQ+ hangouts for 11 to 17 year olds. A Children’s Centre cater for ages 3 to 10 years. P&O Edge activities on the top deck include climbing, flying fox, laser tag and The Plank. Leisure spaces include gym, sports deck, jogging track, health spa complex, library/reading room, and medical centre.

Explore the decks

15 - Sun 14 - Lido 12 - Riviera 11 - Aloha 10 - Baja 9 - Caribe 8 - Dolphin 7 - Promenade 6 - Emerald 5 - Plaza 4 - Fiesta