P&O Cruises yesterday showed off some of the new features and attractions aboard its flagship Pacific Explorer, after the ship returned to its Sydney base following a major makeover.
P&O Cruises’ president Sture Myrmell said Pacific Explorer’s latest upgrades built on an already popular product which had enjoyed immense success in Sydney and would soon be calling Brisbane home.
“Pacific Explorer has an exciting year ahead with her upcoming move to Brisbane when Pacific Adventure joins the fleet and is based from Sydney this October,” Myrmell said.
Popular dining outlets on Pacific Explorer, Luke’s and 400 Gradi, have been given a striking new look during the ship’s recent dry dock.
Pacific Explorer, fresh from a major dry-dock makeover
Both major theatres, along with several of the ship’s public spaces, have been revamped while new games activities and accommodation choices for families have been introduced.
Dining and restaurants:
The ship’s popular dining outlet Luke’s which overlooks the pool on the top deck, has been transformed into a stylish yet relaxed restaurant for guests to enjoy lunch and dinner year-round.
The latest offering from respected Australian chef his signature dishes along with matching wines.
Guests can expect some of Luke Mangan’s much-loved plates including Kingfish Sashimi and Luke’s liquorice parfait plus new additions to the menu such as Luke’s Kitchen beef slider and Barramundi for two.
Pacific Explorer’s new games arcade offers 21 attractions to play
During the day, Luke’s will continue to serve its existing, popular range of burgers such as the ‘Salt Grill breakfast burger’ and dishes like the Spiced Sydney sirloin and Cajun spiced ocean trout which can be enjoyed at the restaurant and taken away to eat by the pool.
Mid-ship, the traditional Neapolitan pizzeria 400 Gradi by award-winning Melbourne chef Johnny Di Francesco has been refreshed to create a more intimate setting for couples to cosy up together and families to enjoy a feast over famously authentic pizza and Italian dishes.
Family activities and accommodation:
Pacific Explorer has been fitted with a new games arcade with 21 attractions including the hottest VR feature on the market, ‘Virtual Rabbids’ which takes guests on an action-packed virtual amusement ride full of twists and turns and 360˚ views.
Families can now enjoy an even greater choice of accommodation options with two new five-berth suites which come with all the added benefits of booking a suite including complimentary laundry service and priority embarkation and disembarkation.
Over 80 of the ship’s four berth cabins have been fitted with new beds, artworks and carpet along with a full-length luggage locker to provide guests with more storage space.
The Elemis Spa has been redesigned with a new beauty bar
Relaxation and wellness:
Those looking for relaxation can enjoy even more pampering at the Elemis Spa which has been re-designed with a new Beauty Bar offering additional services for ladies and gentlemen including a nail parlour.
Public spaces:
Some of the ship’s main public spaces including The Pantry, Marquee Lounge and the Atrium have been refreshed and continues the stylish look and feel of the ship which has become a trademark of the fleet in. Black Circus has also been given a whole new look with new upholstery and artwork.
Commenting on elements of the refurbishment, Myrmell said Luke’s and 400 Gradi were two of the most popular dining venues on Pacific Explorer “and we wanted to continue to surprise and delight our guests by giving them new experiences in both restaurants.
“The refurbishment is an exciting start to Pacific Explorer’s final season in Sydney and we expect the changes to ‘wow’ a new audience in Queensland over the autumn and winter months.”
Itineraries and deals
Pacific Explorer departs Sydney on a three-night cruise to the Sapphire Coast Food Festival in Eden. In October 2020, the ship moves to Brisbane before commencing her first New Zealand season from February 2021.
Bookings for sailings on Pacific Explorer departing from Brisbane are available now and include a seven-night Barrier Reef Discovery cruise departing Brisbane on 7 November 2020. Fares start from $699 per person quad share. (Subject to availability, conditions apply.)
Below: 400 Gradi by award-winning Melbourne chef Johnny Di Francesco has been refreshed to create a more intimate setting
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