Any cruiser worth their sea miles is counting down the days. The cruise community is abuzz with excitement for the impending arrival of one of P&O Cruises' newest ships: Pacific Eden.
P&O Cruises will have the largest fleet cruising year-round from Australia come November. Pacific Eden, along with newcomer Pacific Aria, will join siblings Pacific Jewel, Pacific Dawn and Pacific Pearl later this year. The new ships are set to revolutionise the Australian cruising industry.
Take a peek inside – Pacific Eden is cruising like you've never seen it before.
The numbers
Passengers: 1,500 guests
Crew: 560
Tonnage: 55,820
Length: 219 metres
Number of Decks: 12 (nine guest access)
Launch Date: November 2015
Your home away from home
You're in for some surprises here. Pacific Eden features some of the roomiest cabins across the entire fleet, with renovated bathrooms in all categories. Up the wow factor by choosing a Balcony Room, Suite or Penthouse and soak your worries away in your very own spa tub.
Pacific Eden Penthouses take accommodation to the next level
Speaking of penthouses, these ultra-luxe spaces offer polished, modern comfort for even the fussiest traveller. A spa bath is just the tip of the iceberg. Think a spacious sitting area, dining room, private balcony and cracking floor-to-ceiling sea views.
P&O throws buffet dining overboard
Here's what awaits onboard Pacific Aria
The food revolution
The 'I think someone may have sneezed on that' smorgasbord offerings have been thrown overboard. P&O is leading the 'ban the buffet' charge, with the introduction of food venue, The Pantry. This interactive marketplace serves up made-to-order meals from no less than seven outlets, with flavours stretching from South Africa to Mexico.
But that's not all Pacific Eden has hidden beneath her cloche. The ship will feature P&O's largest ever range of dining experiences, with no less than 15 bars and restaurants to choose from, as well as the likes of an open kitchen that hosts cooking classes and a cellar door in which oenophiles can sip and swirl to their heart's content.
The Mexicana in the new Pantry feature onboard all P&O ships
If fine dining is more your flavour, Luke Mangan's successful Salt grill destination restaurant, as well as his first Salt grill bar at sea will continue to draw diners, while Dragon Lady is set to seduce hungry patrons with modern Pan–Asian cuisine. For comfort food with an air of elegance, Angelo's Italian serves up authentic nosh done the right way and if you're seeking the best seat in the house, don't miss an evening on the Chef's Table.
On the other end of the scale, but by no means any less delicious, are Pacific Eden's more casual eateries, including everything from casual cafes to a la carte restaurants. Better pack those stretchy pants...
Body and soul
Now, about those cruising kilos. You can stick to the confines of the fully-equipped gym, or mix up your work out session with a multitude of sweat inducing, adrenalin pumping pursuits. You've a choice of pools to swim laps, deck sports to play and any budding Federers can practice their forehand on the practice tennis court.
For some time out, the day spa beckons with its signature treatments or as does the chilled out, adults-only refuge, The Oasis.
At leisure
Much like P&O's other ships, kids clubs reign supreme onboard Pacific Eden. Four age specific supervised clubs are included in your fare, with a bumbling medley of activities for kids aged from two-17 years. They'll be occupied pretty much from sun up to sun down, which means plenty of spare time and date nights for mums and dads.
The Mexicana in the new Pantry feature onboard all P&O ships
Trivia, game shows, party nights, full-scale stage productions, nightclubs, a cinema and casino are just some of the extras you'll find onboard. Then there's the shopping... You'll never be at a loss of what to do; the decision will be what to do when!
Who said Eden was just for Adam and Eve?
