P&O new ship Pacific Explorer like no other

Upping the ante on offerings at sea, P&O Cruises ship, Pacific Explorer boasts exciting new features including two spectacular waterslides, a chilled barefoot bowls green and an elegant supper club for evening entertainment.

P&O has unveiled details of the multi-million-dollar refurbishment for the Pacific Explorer with the inaugural cruise from Sydney next year.

Keeping with the cruise line’s reputation for innovation, Pacific Explorer will be packed with surprises, including P&O’s first ever waterpark at sea, as well as its most extensive range of dining options, delivered in a stylish, contemporary setting.

The fun starts on the top decks with two breathtaking waterslide experiences – the first offering LED lights and sound effects and the second featuring heart-racing twists and turns.

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.

Meanwhile, the popular P&O Edge Adventure Park will feature activities including a flying fox, while those seeking a more relaxed pace will be able to head to the back deck for a cruisey game of barefoot bowls.

P&O’s food revolution will continue on the Pacific Explorer, offering some tantalising new dining concepts, including The Black Circus, a supper club venue offering delicious food served with a side of cabaret-style entertainment.

Cruisers will also 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.  Also on offer will be a poolside Lobster & Burger bar, serving delicious lobster and seafood rolls as well as premium beef and pulled pork burgers.

The new dining options are in addition to the cruise line’s popular Waterfront restaurant, which will feature on Pacific Explorer along with two other restaurants which debuted on Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden last year: Angelo’s, serving contemporary Italian cuisine, and the sultry Asian dining venue, Dragon Lady.

Another P&O favourite, Salt grill by Luke Mangan will also be onboard, enjoying a sparkling location overlooking the main pool area, while a range of new bars, including a stylish hidden bar, will provide the perfect location for relaxing pre and post dinner drinks.

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.

“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 guests’ faces,” Myrmell said.

Presently sailing as Dawn Princess with sister line Princess Cruises, the 77,000-tonne Pacific Explorer will be refitted in May and June next year, 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 last year.