119 days and counting!
P&O Cruises is counting down the days until they launch one of two new ships set to join the Australian-based fleet. The Pacific Aria is the realisation of many of the cruise line's recent innovations, predicted to take passenger experience to new heights with a sweep of improvements. From new restaurants to cellar door experiences; lavish pool decks to plush, revamped accommodation, this ship is set to provide all the comforts of home while you float from one exciting destination to the next.
The Pacific Aria will be home ported in Brisbane and here's a little peek into what passengers can expect:
Quick Look
- Passengers: 1,500 guests
- Crew: 560
- Tonnage: 55,820
- Length: 219 metres
- Number of Decks: 12
- Launch Date: November 2015
Sleeping
The Pacific Aria will feature the same comfy accommodation that can be found through all of P&O's ships, but not without a few improvements.
There are six different room types to choose from, ranging from standard rooms all the way up to penthouses. All offer modern interiors with all the creature comforts of home. Think cushy beds, fluffy white towels, in-room refrigerators and personally controlled air conditioning. They all also feature revamped bathrooms. Upgrade your stay to a Balcony Room or Suite for a little extra space as well as such added luxurious touches as spa baths.
The Pacific Aria will also feature exclusive Penthouse rooms that define comfort on the high seas. Relax in the lap of luxury with such additions as a separate dining area, private balcony with outdoor furniture and spacious living area. The revamped bathrooms also boast a spa bath. Perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of these exclusive rooms, though, are the floor to ceiling windows that provide panoramic ocean vistas.
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Dining
P&O made waves in recent months by throwing the traditional cruise ship buffet overboard. All of their Australian liners abandoned the buffet standard in favour of a new approach called The Pantry, a concept that will also feature aboard the Pacific Aria. Incorporating everything from fish n' chips to Mexicana, all tastebuds will be tempted.
Of course, fine dining is still very much an option while you're on board the Pacific Aria. This new ship dishes up no less than 15 bars and restaurants. This includes Luke Mangan's hugely popular Salt Grill, which has been impressing P&O guests for the last five years. Passengers can also choose from the exotic flavours of Dragon Lady's Pan-Asian menu or the comfort of traditional Italian at newly added Angelo's. Of course, if you're after something especially unique, the Chef's Table experience should not be overlooked.
Aspiring gourmands need not be content to simply eat. The Open Kitchen takes dining experiences to the next level with evening cooking classes in which you will learn to prep and cook recipes before indulging in your own culinary creations.
Playing
Along with itineraries that tour far-flung destinations, the Pacific Aria will excite passengers with a full range of onboard entertainment. There will never be a dull moment while you're out to sea. P&O's usual entertainment suspects are accounted for, with an onboard casino, tax and duty free shopping venues and The Marquee Theatre putting on first rate productions every night.
Catch a movie with the kids at the cinema, escape to the serenity of the adults only Oasis pool, or relax and recharge at the Day Spa. There are also practice tennis and basketball courts and a fully-equipped fitness centre with men's and women's locker rooms, so you can maintain your daily schedule right down to your afternoon run.
Younger passengers can even enjoy some alone time of their own, with dedicated kids clubs offering up a full schedule of daily activities. Turtle Cove is the perfect choice for two to six year olds, with its choice of toys, educational games and loads of activities supervised by experienced staff. Children aged seven to 10 will find plenty to keep them busy at the Shark Shack, which provides the opportunity for arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, theme nights and more.
HQ and HQ+ are purpose built for older children, catering to 11 to 17 and 15 to 17 year olds respectively. Film making, movies, sports competitions, talent shows and karaoke sessions are just some of the exciting activities on offer.