Ship Review of P&Os Pacific Explorer

Cruise Express

Australian owned and operated

P&O Australia – Pacific Explorer

Date: June 2017

Reviewed By:  Richard Boyce, Brand Manager

Cruise Line: P&O Cruises Australia

Itinerary: 1-night showcase cruise

Size of ship and passenger capacity: 77,441 GRT. Carries 1,998 passengers

Year Built: 1997

Where the ship cruises:  Australia, South Pacific

Currency onboard: Australian Dollars

  

Embarkation / disembarkation: As this was a short overnight cruise for the travel industry to experience the ship’s recent conversion, it was not sailing at capacity. Having said that, the embarkation was smooth and quick. My credit card was scanned and I actually signed for it on an electronic pad which is very clever. Disembarkation was the same, with a very relaxed and easy process in place where everyone was called and was shortly ashore and on their way. 

Main features: This ship began life as Dawn Princess, for Princess Cruises. Anyone familiar with her or her sister ships will know that they are very easy to navigate, with the majority of public rooms on Deck 7 and other public spaces lower on Decks 6 and 5 around the three-storey atrium. The pool deck is expansive with all new furniture including large day beds which look very impressive. On the top of the ship are two new pool slides which plunge from the top of the funnel and spiral down to Deck 15. Dining options have been expanded too with new choices included in the fare. Another fun feature is a shop selling furnishings identical to those used throughout the ship. Now you can take home that cushion you just loved from one of the bars! It’s clever and I’ve not seen this anywhere else at sea.

  

Most suited to: Anyone looking for a comfortable ship to explore our local regions. There is really something for everyone, with some cabins taking up to four people which is great for families. Even people who may not have previously considered P&O Australia will find this ship surprisingly upmarket and in some areas even rather glamorous.

Atmosphere: Distinctly modern, but comfortable and approachable. The standard of furnishings and decor put this ship in a class somewhat above what you might expect. Everywhere there are interesting and thought-provoking artworks, photos and objects. The fabrics and carpets are mostly in shades of charcoal, grey and green.

Encounters with Service Staff: The crew were friendly, polite and prompt. Bar service was good with the crew all too happy to explain the options. In the dining room, food was delivered quickly and was hot – nothing was too much trouble. The wine was served with the food. On deck, even when the bars were VERY busy the staff were smiling and worked hard to serve everyone quickly. Mobile drinks stands were set up elsewhere to alleviate the wait times – a very clever idea which I have not seen on any other ship.

 

Staterooms: All staterooms and suites onboard are much the same as when the ship was in service with Princess Cruises. I noticed some rooms had new carpet, while others did not. The beds are comfortable with lovely soft linens and towels. Bathroom amenities are included and are of a high quality – and smell great! Bathrooms in the standard cabins are compact and take a little getting used to. There is a generous amount of wardrobe space. The standard balconies are large enough for two chairs and a small table. Those who book a mini-suite will notice a distinct increase in space and the aft suites are huge!

Dining options: No matter where you dine, expect lots of fresh, locally sourced, in-season produce.

Waterfront Dining Room
We enjoyed a lovely three-course dinner in the Waterfront Dining Room which is essentially the main dining room. The room has been completely rebuilt to include a large number of small tables, cafe tables seating up to eight, banquets along the walls, and some larger round tables seating up to ten. The food was utterly delicious and of a very high standard. The pork belly was a real standout – I had two! The cheese plate was a refreshing change of one cheese, handmade flatbread and a delicious chutney. At the rear of this room is a small area offering ‘A Taste of Salt’ by Luke Mangan. This provides a seven-course degustation meal at a small extra cost and is by reservation only.

The Pantry
Replacing the traditional buffet, this is now a series of small food outlets serving Asian, Australian and Italian influenced offerings. I tried the fish and chips which was hot, fresh and the best I’ve ever had on a ship. I also tried the sweet and sour pork with rice, which was again fresh, hot and yummy. Breakfast is also served here, and is exactly what Aussies like – sausages, bacon (not cremated for once), eggs, etc…with lots of fresh fruit, muesli and juices.

Angelos and Dragon Lady
Both on Deck 6 and each taking up half of the former main dining room, these restaurants provide either Italian or Asian offering. Both are moody and very glamorous. No need to pay extra – both are included in the fare.

400 GRADI
Situated in the atrium, the traditional pizzeria has been amped up (with the addition of smart new furniture) to offer truly amazing and very authentic pizzas. Run by award-winning Melbourne pizza chef Johnny Di Francesco – forget everything you know about pizza on a ship – this is the real deal and you won’t be disappointed.

Luke’s
Another Luke Mangan offering, this time on Deck 14 overlooking the pool, this al fresco dining option offers some seriously gourmet burgers. Think Korean crispy fried chicken burger with pickled vegetables, herbs and kimchi mayo or a breakfast burger of cajun spiced pork patty with bacon, cheese, fried egg, pickle, lettuce and kimchi aioli. There is also a bar if you can stop eating long enough.

 

Entertainment: I only experienced live music in the lounges. Gone are the duos singing supposedly contemporary music numbers. I found excellent live bands with truly talented singers. The atmosphere was amazing and made me actually want to spend time here to hear more. The music was new to me at least and not the usual well-known sing-a-long standards. Truly top class stuff.

Activities: Apart from all the usual inclusions, this is what stands out: There are new ways to get wet. The two new slides are just the start. There is a rather amazing new water park for the kids, replacing a former basketball court and housed within the rear of the funnel. While there were no kids onboard, I suspect this will be a hit with the little ones. As for the adults, they might like to try the new barefoot bowls area on Deck 11 aft. With a small bar set up and comfy seating for those just wanting to watch, this is a fun little area and something new. A zip line has also been fitted across the top deck for those with no fear of heights. 

Family facilities: There are the usual kids club facilities, though the aforementioned waterslides, water park, and zip line will more than keep the kids engaged.

 

Inclusions: Virtually everything is included, with a few exceptions.

Exclusions: A Taste of Salt, 400 GRADI and Luke’s all have small cover charges. Activities in the P&O Edge program including the zip line also incur a small extra fee. Naturally, drinks are not included but are reasonably priced, especially for the new specialty cocktails. Shore excursions are also extra.

Self Service Laundry: Selected passenger decks on the ship feature a self-service laundry room equipped with three washing machines, dryers, ironing boards and irons. These facilities are provided for guests free of charge.

Insider Tips: Forget everything you thought you knew about cruising with P&O Cruises. This ship will challenge you at every turn in a fun, exciting and fresh way.

 

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P&O Australia – Pacific Explorer

Date: June 2017

Reviewed By:  Richard Boyce, Brand Manager

Cruise Line: P&O Cruises Australia

Itinerary: 1-night showcase cruise

Size of ship and passenger capacity: 77,441 GRT. Carries 1,998 passengers

Year Built: 1997

Where the ship cruises:  Australia, South Pacific

Currency onboard: Australian Dollars

  

Embarkation / disembarkation: As this was a short overnight cruise for the travel industry to experience the ship’s recent conversion, it was not sailing at capacity. Having said that, the embarkation was smooth and quick. My credit card was scanned and I actually signed for it on an electronic pad which is very clever. Disembarkation was the same, with a very relaxed and easy process in place where everyone was called and was shortly ashore and on their way. 

Main features: This ship began life as Dawn Princess, for Princess Cruises. Anyone familiar with her or her sister ships will know that they are very easy to navigate, with the majority of public rooms on Deck 7 and other public spaces lower on Decks 6 and 5 around the three-storey atrium. The pool deck is expansive with all new furniture including large day beds which look very impressive. On the top of the ship are two new pool slides which plunge from the top of the funnel and spiral down to Deck 15. Dining options have been expanded too with new choices included in the fare. Another fun feature is a shop selling furnishings identical to those used throughout the ship. Now you can take home that cushion you just loved from one of the bars! It’s clever and I’ve not seen this anywhere else at sea.

  

Most suited to: Anyone looking for a comfortable ship to explore our local regions. There is really something for everyone, with some cabins taking up to four people which is great for families. Even people who may not have previously considered P&O Australia will find this ship surprisingly upmarket and in some areas even rather glamorous.

Atmosphere: Distinctly modern, but comfortable and approachable. The standard of furnishings and decor put this ship in a class somewhat above what you might expect. Everywhere there are interesting and thought-provoking artworks, photos and objects. The fabrics and carpets are mostly in shades of charcoal, grey and green.

Encounters with Service Staff: The crew were friendly, polite and prompt. Bar service was good with the crew all too happy to explain the options. In the dining room, food was delivered quickly and was hot – nothing was too much trouble. The wine was served with the food. On deck, even when the bars were VERY busy the staff were smiling and worked hard to serve everyone quickly. Mobile drinks stands were set up elsewhere to alleviate the wait times – a very clever idea which I have not seen on any other ship.

 

Staterooms: All staterooms and suites onboard are much the same as when the ship was in service with Princess Cruises. I noticed some rooms had new carpet, while others did not. The beds are comfortable with lovely soft linens and towels. Bathroom amenities are included and are of a high quality – and smell great! Bathrooms in the standard cabins are compact and take a little getting used to. There is a generous amount of wardrobe space. The standard balconies are large enough for two chairs and a small table. Those who book a mini-suite will notice a distinct increase in space and the aft suites are huge!

Dining options: No matter where you dine, expect lots of fresh, locally sourced, in-season produce.

Waterfront Dining Room
We enjoyed a lovely three-course dinner in the Waterfront Dining Room which is essentially the main dining room. The room has been completely rebuilt to include a large number of small tables, cafe tables seating up to eight, banquets along the walls, and some larger round tables seating up to ten. The food was utterly delicious and of a very high standard. The pork belly was a real standout – I had two! The cheese plate was a refreshing change of one cheese, handmade flatbread and a delicious chutney. At the rear of this room is a small area offering ‘A Taste of Salt’ by Luke Mangan. This provides a seven-course degustation meal at a small extra cost and is by reservation only.

The Pantry
Replacing the traditional buffet, this is now a series of small food outlets serving Asian, Australian and Italian influenced offerings. I tried the fish and chips which was hot, fresh and the best I’ve ever had on a ship. I also tried the sweet and sour pork with rice, which was again fresh, hot and yummy. Breakfast is also served here, and is exactly what Aussies like – sausages, bacon (not cremated for once), eggs, etc…with lots of fresh fruit, muesli and juices.

Angelos and Dragon Lady
Both on Deck 6 and each taking up half of the former main dining room, these restaurants provide either Italian or Asian offering. Both are moody and very glamorous. No need to pay extra – both are included in the fare.

400 GRADI
Situated in the atrium, the traditional pizzeria has been amped up (with the addition of smart new furniture) to offer truly amazing and very authentic pizzas. Run by award-winning Melbourne pizza chef Johnny Di Francesco – forget everything you know about pizza on a ship – this is the real deal and you won’t be disappointed.

Luke’s
Another Luke Mangan offering, this time on Deck 14 overlooking the pool, this al fresco dining option offers some seriously gourmet burgers. Think Korean crispy fried chicken burger with pickled vegetables, herbs and kimchi mayo or a breakfast burger of cajun spiced pork patty with bacon, cheese, fried egg, pickle, lettuce and kimchi aioli. There is also a bar if you can stop eating long enough.

 

Entertainment: I only experienced live music in the lounges. Gone are the duos singing supposedly contemporary music numbers. I found excellent live bands with truly talented singers. The atmosphere was amazing and made me actually want to spend time here to hear more. The music was new to me at least and not the usual well-known sing-a-long standards. Truly top class stuff.

Activities: Apart from all the usual inclusions, this is what stands out: There are new ways to get wet. The two new slides are just the start. There is a rather amazing new water park for the kids, replacing a former basketball court and housed within the rear of the funnel. While there were no kids onboard, I suspect this will be a hit with the little ones. As for the adults, they might like to try the new barefoot bowls area on Deck 11 aft. With a small bar set up and comfy seating for those just wanting to watch, this is a fun little area and something new. A zip line has also been fitted across the top deck for those with no fear of heights. 

Family facilities: There are the usual kids club facilities, though the aforementioned waterslides, water park, and zip line will more than keep the kids engaged.

 

Inclusions: Virtually everything is included, with a few exceptions.

Exclusions: A Taste of Salt, 400 GRADI and Luke’s all have small cover charges. Activities in the P&O Edge program including the zip line also incur a small extra fee. Naturally, drinks are not included but are reasonably priced, especially for the new specialty cocktails. Shore excursions are also extra.

Self Service Laundry: Selected passenger decks on the ship feature a self-service laundry room equipped with three washing machines, dryers, ironing boards and irons. These facilities are provided for guests free of charge.

Insider Tips: Forget everything you thought you knew about cruising with P&O Cruises. This ship will challenge you at every turn in a fun, exciting and fresh way.

 

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