Tag Archives: Pacific Adventure

Pacific Adventure Enters Service for P&O Australia

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The new Pacific Adventure is officially debuting for P&O Cruises Australia today. Third and final vessel to join the brand’s fleet, the newly transformed cruise ship is kicking off a year-round program of cruises from Sydney.

For its first revenue sailing, the 2,600-guest vessel is departing the Australian port for a three-night themed voyage to nowhere.

In addition to two full days at sea, the “Comedy Cruise” includes special activities onboard, such as adults-only shows, comedy workshops and more.

Continuing its inaugural season, the Adventure is set to offer three- to 12-night cruises that visit several domestic destinations in Australia, including the Sapphire Coast, Tasmania, the Great Barrier Reef and more.

The longer itineraries also feature visits to popular cruise ports in the South Pacific, New Zealand, Fiji and more.

Built for Princess Cruises, the Pacific Adventure originally entered service in 2001.

Before debuting for its new operator, the former Golden Princess underwent a major refit that added new attractions and public areas, in addition to P&O’s signature features.

According to the company, the 109,000-ton vessel now carries the cruise line’s contemporary look and feel, offering an array of “memorable experiences, unforgettable dining options, ultimate relaxation, thrill-seeking waterslides and ziplining.”

Among the new additions is The Byron Beach Club, a private retreat available for certain suite categories, complete with a pool, spas and outdoors seating.

The Adventure also showcases many brand favourites, including Luke’s Bar & Grill by Luke Mangan and 400 Gradi by award-winning Melbourne chef Johnny di Francesco.

After a long operational hiatus, P&O Cruises Australia resumed revenue service in May 2022. At the time, the Pacific Explorer became the first cruise ship to welcome guests back into the country.

The Pacific Encounter followed suit in August, kicking off a series of itineraries departing from the Port of Brisbane. 

P&O Australia Expecting ‘Rebound’ of Local Cruise Industry

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P&O Cruises Australia earlier this week announced the next stage of its fleet transformation with both the Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter (ahead of schedule), arriving in the first half of 2021 in a mark of confidence in the expected rebound of the local cruise industry, according to the company.

The ships are the current Golden and Star Princess. The Pacific Adventure will begin sailing from Sydney on April 30 next year and the delivery of Pacific Encounter is being brought forward by at least six months to ensure the local fleet is poised to drive the resurgence of cruising at the right time, the company said.

The Pacific Encounter is scheduled to call Brisbane home from May 7, 2021 – but additional voyages may be added even earlier, depending on the timing of the return of cruising in Australia.

“The arrival of these much-anticipated ships, Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter, in the first half of next year represents a step-change for the fleet and a sign of confidence in the market,” P&O Cruises Australia President Sture Myrmell said.

“This investment in our fleet is a demonstration that P&O Cruises Australia is ready to lead the industry in bouncing back when government and public health authorities agree it is appropriate to begin sailing again with protocols in place.

“It is also a mark of respect for our many loyal guests as well as crew, fresh food suppliers, entertainers and musicians, shore tour operators and port logistics partners who are looking to be a part of the resurgence of the Australian cruise sector over time.

“These have been challenging times for the entire community and, for our part, we have sought to use this operational pause to fast-track our planned fleet refresh. Our pathway to a return to cruising may be unclear but we wanted to give our guests confidence about our future fleet and our commitment to Australia and New Zealand,”  Myrmell said.

Key Takeaways: 

  • The Pacific Adventure will call Sydney home. Her first voyage is a three-night Short Break scheduled for April 30, 2021.
  • The Pacific Adventure was originally planned to debut in November this year but was delayed due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Brisbane’s new international cruise terminal will become the new homeport for the Pacific Encounter. At this stage, her first voyage is scheduled to depart Brisbane on May 7, 2021, and is a three-night Short Break. Additional voyages may be added earlier, the company said.
  • The Pacific Explorer will be homeporting from Auckland, New Zealand from February 6, 2021, to her last voyage on April 25, 2021.

The company, citing COVID-19, also said the watersides will be installed at a later date.