Pacific Eden Cruise Ship

The P&O Australia expansion is entering an exciting phase. In November 2015, two new vessels, Pacific Eden and Pacific Aria, will be joining the fleet. All up, five P&O ships will soon call Australia home, assisting the industry to achieve its target of hosting a million cruise passengers per year – five years sooner than expected.

Prior to debut in November 2015, Pacific Eden will be undergoing a complete revamp. In fact, passengers of the ship, which formerly sailed for the Holland America Line, will hardly recognise it. The best of contemporary décor, luxury deck furnishings, and innovative food venues are set to revolutionise cruising. Pacific Eden is getting ready to impress.

Pacific Eden dining set to make waves

A major change on Pacific Eden that is sure to attract a lot of attention is the shift from buffet style dining to “The Pantry” which boasts a variety of food outlets in a marketplace setting. Casual seating options include communal benches, cosy banquettes and high tables. Delicious fresh food choices from around the world will be on offer.

Waterfront

Classic dining options remain a big part of the cruise experience however, and the Pacific Eden Waterfront Restaurant shines as an example of all that is luxurious and decadent in modern day cruising. Patrons will savour the best cuisine in a modern, plush setting. Other venues that are making waves on Pacific Eden include Angelo’s Italian restaurant and the Dragon Lady, featuring the best of pan-Asian cooking.

Angelo’s Italian restaurant

Relax and enjoy onboard

Sun worshippers are not being overlooked either. The revamped pool deck is reminiscent of the finest establishments of the French Riviera, appointed with comfortable day beds and sheer white curtains. The adults-only Oasis pool area is guaranteed to stimulate romance and intimacy.

Kids are also a big part of cruising these days, and P&O has moved with the times to ensure everybody has a great vacation onboard. The Turtle Cove, Shark Shack and HQ activities and adventure clubs are designed to host children of various age groups, and supervised by experienced staff.

In a first for P&O Australia, select cruises will be departing from Cairns in Tropical North Queensland, plus Singapore, a great starting point for visiting the best ports in South-East Asia. Exotic destinations include Thailand, Indonesia and Cambodia.

While sister ship Pacific Aria focuses on Australia’s east coast, Pacific Eden will be operating more than a dozen mid-year 2016 cruises from Fremantle on the west coast. Highlights include visits to Indonesia and a great four-night getaway to Esperance in Western Australia.

Pacific Eden cabin features

Every cabin on Pacific Eden is appointed with all the creature comforts that P&O passengers have come to expect. All cabins have a private bathroom and shower, flat-screen TV, and plenty of wardrobe space. A personal safe to store your valuables is provided, as is a fridge/minibar, vanity table and chair.

Rooms are furnished attractively, and include hotel twin-style beds that can be converted to one king-size bed. Another option is an additional single rollaway bed, subject to availability. Oceanview staterooms include a bathtub, and penthouse passengers enjoy the extra treat of a whirlpool bath. Wheelchair accessible cabins with wider doorways, extra handrails and convenient access to all facilities are also available. An exciting development taking place on the entire P&O fleet is the option to enjoy premium room service, regardless of accommodation level.

Penthouse

Deluxe balcony suite

Balcony suite

Oceanview stateroom

Inside stateroom

The Promenade level

Modern cruise ships usually feature an opulent promenade area, and Pacific Eden is no exception. Here are some features:

• The Marquee theatre, soaring two levels high and featuring dazzling shows every evening. The entire family will enjoy music, dance, magic and comedy acts.
• The Atrium lobby, reception desk, tour desk, assistance and information.
• “Cellar Door” is the place to sample boutique Australian wines. Daily tastings are on offer and premium wines are available for purchase.
• Two large meeting rooms suitable for presentations, conferences and games.
• “Cinema & Open Kitchen” is where you will find the large indoor cinema and onboard culinary school. Talented chefs host cooking shows and offer culinary classes.
• The “Waterfront Restaurant” toward the aft of the promenade level is all about style, and offers open-seating dining for intimate moments or larger gatherings.

The Upper Promenade

• “The Marquee” theatre balcony level is great for a birds eye view of stage shows.
• Duty free shops and a convenience store. Here you can purchase everything from fashion accessories to groceries at duty free prices.
• The popular casino, where experienced gamblers and beginners can enjoy roulette, blackjack and poker machines. Newcomers might like to take advantage of the complimentary gambling lessons.
• The “MIX” cocktail and sports bar, featuring live music and dance.
• “Salt Grill” is a reservations-only restaurant that partners with well-known Australian chef Luke Mangan.
• “Angelo’s” Italian restaurant and the “Dragon Lady” Asian restaurant.

Although the Pacific Eden is smaller than other P&O vessels, it punches well above it’s weight in providing entertainment and activities. Additional ship features include the “Aqua HealthSpaFitness complex, Two large swimming pools, tennis, a nightclub, games area, and an adventure park that comprises 20 high adrenalin activities including the funnel climb and flying fox.

Dragon Lady

Pacific Eden itinerary highlights

• “South Pacific Islands trips to New Caledonia, Fiji and Vanuatu
• Western Australia Coral Coast cruise
• Short break cruises to nowhere
• The best of South-east Asia, including Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia and Malaysia
• Round-trip departures from Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Fremantle, Cairns and Singapore

Pacific Eden statistics

• Passengers: 1512
• Crew: 560
• Refit year: 2015
• Decks: 10
• Tonnage: 55,451 GT

The arrival of Pacific Eden is further proof that Australia is a desirable tourism destination and a great starting point for a voyage. From here we are spoilt for choice in visiting some of the most beautiful locations and vibrant cities in the world.