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P&O Cruises Australia has announced that their new and much-anticipated ship Pacific Encounter has today completed her transformation, leaving ‘dry dock’ in Singapore with her iconic ‘name badge’ and the stylish finishing touches to her onboard spaces and features, with more than 250 contractors spent over 84,000 hours fitting 14,000 square metres of fresh carpet and painting 5,000 square metres of walls and ceilings to complete Pacific Encounter’s new look.P&O Cruises Australia said that the recent 14-day stint in ‘dry dock’ was the second stage of Pacific Encounter’s transformation after undergoing a ‘wet dock’ in February and that she has emerged with all major public venues complete including the Encounter Hotel and the Blue Room, which will offer guests a chance to enjoy a wide selection of vibrant live music from some of Australia’s leading musicians.

P&O Cruises Australia says that the iconic-trio of restaurants , including the Italian fan-favourite Angelo’s, sultry Pan-Asian-inspired Dragon Lady and contemporary Australian dining outlet The Waterfront have all been fitted with stylish new carpets and artworks in keeping with the home grown cruise line’s signature look and feel.

The popular international marketplace The Pantry is also now complete with bright graphics that depict the nine classic, comforting and modern Australian fresh food outlets on offer such as the ‘Curry House’, ‘Kettle and Bun’ and ‘Stix’ to name a few.

P&O Cruises Australia President Sture Myrmell said the completion of Pacific Encounter was a positive step forward for the home grown cruise line as it looks ahead to the resumption of sailing in Australia, adding, “We know that our guests are extremely excited to experience Pacific Encounter and her arrival will be a pinnacle moment in our fleet transformation and a mark of confidence in the expected rebound of the local cruise industry”.

He  added, “Our design and technical teams have yet again surpassed expectations in completing the transformation of a new addition to our family – a ship which will have the signature experiences, entertainment and programmed activities that sets apart P&O as a contemporary cruise holiday for everyone.”

In addition to the recently completed inclusive dining options, Pacific Encounter will offer speciality restaurants by renowned chefs Luke Mangan and Johnny Di Francesco as well as family-friendly activities and vibrant night-time venues.

P&O Cruises Australia Head of Design Petra Ryberg said there was a modern Australian feel running throughout all of the public spaces on Pacific Encounter, which were themed around Australian nature, botanicals, animals and distinctive art and patterns, saying, “I work hard to evoke a feeling rather than a particular ‘look’ so that people are comfortable walking into a space”.

She also said, “With every room I construct a shape and style that encourages conversations and groups to gather, socialise, have fun or relax. I want to avoid creating an area where you walk in and feel like you can’t touch anything and need to ask permission before sitting down on the sofa!” adding, “To me, the feeling of warmth links back to the theme of modern Australia and the country’s culture which is so warm and welcoming.”

Brisbane’s International Cruise Terminal will become the new home port for Pacific Encounter later this year and she will be joined by Pacific Adventure and Pacific Explorer to complete P&O’s three ship line-up in Australia, with unfortunately the Federal and State governments’ procrastination meaning no date has been given for even domestic cruising to start in Australia.

A report by John Alwyn-Jones, Cruise Editor.