Investor Relations

P&O Unveils Exciting New Features on Pacific Explorer

P&O Cruises will take holidaymakers on a voyage of discovery on its latest ship, Pacific Explorer, which will debut next year with exciting new features including two spectacular waterslides, a chilled barefoot bowls green and an elegant supper club for evening entertainment.

With Pacific Explorer's inaugural cruise from Sydney now less than one year away, P&O today unveiled details of the ship's multi-million dollar refurbishment.

Maintaining 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.

Continuing P&O's food revolution, Pacific Explorer will offer 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.

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 guests' faces," Mr Myrmell said.

"It really will be a ship that offers something for everyone."

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.

Fares on Pacific Explorer start from $1249* per person quad share for the ship's 10-night inaugural cruise to the Pacific Islands, departing Sydney on June 22, 2017. For more information visit pocruises.com.au, call 13 24 94 or see a licensed travel agent.

*subject to availability, conditions apply

About P&O Cruises

Sailing local waters for more than 80 years, P&O is Australia's only homegrown cruise line and the largest cruise operator in the region, offering a fleet of five ships cruising year round from eight home ports in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. With a contemporary look and feel which captures the spirit of modern Australia, P&O's ships carry more than 460,000 guests a year on great value holidays.  Itineraries range from short getaways and cruises exploring the Australian coast to longer holidays to the South Pacific and exotic destinations such as Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Asia.  In June 2017 P&O Cruises will welcome its latest ship, Pacific Explorer, while in 2019 P&O will become the first cruise line to build a ship specifically for the local market, launching a brand new 135,500-tonne ship - the biggest cruise ship ever to be based fulltime in Australia.