Pacific Explorer will be 260 metres long, and able to hold 1998 guests across 11 guest decks when it sets sail from Sydney in 2017.
It 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.
On the top decks holidaymakers will have the chance to experience two breathtaking waterslides – the first offering LED lights and sound effects and the second featuring heart-racing twists and turns.
Guests of all ages will also 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.
Pacific Explorer will also offer tantalising new dining concepts, including The Black Circus, a supper club venue offering delicious food served with a side of cabaret-style entertainment.
Also on offer will be a poolside lobster and 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.
In announcing details of the extensive 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.
“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, 2017, 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 in 2015.
Fares on Pacific Explorer start from $1249 per person quad share for the ship’s 10-night inaugural cruise to the Pacific Islands.
