P&O’s Pacific Explorer will launch with a mother flipping waterpark on board

P&O Cruises have announced the details they have planned for the multi-million dollar upgrades set to be made on the Princess Cruises’ liner Dawn Princess, when they transform it into their newest ship Pacific Explorer next June. Among the most exciting inclusions are a chilled barefoot bowls green, a new supper club with cabaret-style entertainment and P&O’s first ever on board waterpark, with two impressive waterslides, dumping bucket and more.

One of the waterslides offers a one-of-a-kind experience with LED lights and sound effects, while the other features “heart-racing twists and turns”. The slides will be open to guests of all ages, though a shaded area will be provided for the little ones with oversized water toys and a dumping bucket.

Those looking for other types of adventure might find themselves at the popular P&O Edge Adventure Park, featuring activities such as a flying fox, while those after a more relaxing game can  head to the back deck for a cruisey game of barefoot bowls.

Pacific Explorer - Lawn Bowls

Pacific Explorer will also offer up new dining concepts, including The Black Circus, “a supper club venue offering delicious food served with a side of cabaret-style entertainment.” Cruise guests will also be able to enjoy a new pizza restaurant, offering both gourmet pizzas and share platters, while their well established 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 suitable variety for your onboard drinking experience.

Pacific Explorer - Cafe

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 22nd June 2017. For more information visit pocruises.com.au.

Photos Provided by P&O Cruises

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Larry Heath

Founding Editor and Publisher of the AU review. Currently based in Toronto, Canada. You can follow him on Twitter @larry_heath or on Instagram @larryheath.