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Pacific Explorer Deck Plans & Reviews

Pacific Explorer

Activities & entertainment

• Beauty Salon *
• Deck Parties
• Elemis Day Spa *
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes *
• Hot Tubs (6)
• Kids Programs
• Shark Shack
• Turtle Cove
• Waterslides (2)
• Black Circus
• Comedy Shows
• Nightly Shows
• Outdoor Movies
• The Marquee
• Wine Tastings *
• Bar - Pool Bar *
• Charlie's Bar - Atrium Bar *
• The Pantry - Casual
• Waterfront Restaurant - International
• Angelo's - italian
• Explorer Hotel - Modern Pub *
• Dragon Lady - Pan-Asian
• 400 Gradi - Pizza *
• Luke's - Pool Bar *
• Pool Bar - Pool Bar *
• Shell & Bones - Seafood *

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• Excellent 17
• Very Good 22
• Terrible 10
• All languages ( 79 )
• English ( 79 )

Upcoming itineraries

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• Pacific Explorer®

Pacific Explorer®

Something for everyone.

See why we love Pacific Explorer®. Whiz down waterslides by day, enjoy great restaurants, bars and edgy stage shows at night. There’s something for every member of the family.

When it comes to dining, you are spoilt for choice with our range of everyday dining venues including Modern Australian fare at WaterFront and Italian dining at Angelos. Treat yourself to something special at Luke's, our amazing celebrity chef restaurant in partnership with Luke Mangan. Enjoy a mouth-watering signature burger at lunch or a delicious 3 course la carte dinner with the sunset.  For a more casual bite-to-eat, enjoy a delicious pizza at P&O Trattoria or try some exotic Asian fusion flavours at Dragon Lady. The world is your oyster when you dine at sea with P&O.

P&O’s stylish yet relaxed modern Australian interior designs make Pacific Explorer the perfect place to holiday.

We can’t wait to welcome you onboard.

Disclaimer: Onboard offerings are subject to change. Charges apply for some activities, venues and menu items. 400 Gradi to be replaced by P&O Trattoria from September 2023.

Pacific Explorer will soon call New Zealand home

We’re excited to announce that Pacific Explorer will be sailing from Auckland in 2023 with new enhanced itineraries.

VIEW CRUISES FROM AUCKLAND

What did Hughesy get up to?

Check out some Dave Hughes adventures onboard Pacific Explorer. Plus, stay tuned for more exclusive Hughsey moments.

Onboard Activities

Get splashy and ride our Disco Diver and Super Slider Waterslides as many times as you like, splash out in our interactive waterparks or take a dip in one of the pools or spas.

Challenge your mates or family to a friendly game of Barefoot Bowls. Go on, just roll with it!

Choose your Adventure with P&O Edge. The P&O Edge Adventure Park is your ticket to action and excitement. Try Rock Climbing, The Flying Fox, Walk the Plank and more. Plus there's a special program designed just for kids.

Head to the Arcade and test your skills with the latest video games.

The Bonded Store

In partnership with Archie Rose Distilling Co.

Sit, swill and savour the finest liquors at warm and inviting The Bonded Store. Set your tastebuds free in this glamorous speakeasy as our mixologists serve up fantastic cocktails. Or get inspired during a gin or whisky masterclass.

Black Circus

Enjoy new levels of entertainment with exclusive dinner and show packages and a glamorous cabaret style show, Purple Rabbit . A five-star evening of mischief, magic and mind-blowing mayhem.

Sit back and relax while Luke Mangan takes care of the menu. Enjoy a casual yet mouth-watering burger for lunch or a delicious three course dinner with the sunset.

*Charges apply

P&O Trattoria

PIZZA & ITALIAN

Foodies rejoice! P&O Trattoria wil be your new favourite place to eat, serving rustic, home-style Italian fare and delicious freshly-cooked pizza. Buon appetito!

Complimentary Dining

When it comes to dining, you are spoilt for choice with our range of everyday dining venues. Dine a la carte at Waterfront, or if you after something more casual, choose from some deliciously different outlets at The Pantry, our food-court style restaurant.

• Pacific Adventure®
• Pacific Encounter®

The Trophy Case

Not to brag, but we've kind of cleaned up lately thanks to cruisers like you.

2018 Cruise Critic AU Editors’ Pick Award Best Ship Refurbishment for Pacific Aria

2018 Cruise Passenger Reader's Choice Award Best Contemporary Cruise Line (third year in a row) Best for Kids

Readers Digest Trusted Brands 2018 Gold Award - Cruise Operator category

Readers Digest Quality Service Awards Gold Award - Cruise Operator category

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Kiwi Adventure

A whole new world.

A cruise to some of the country’s best ports proves that it’s oh-so easy to love thy neighbour.

If you love wine and cheese tasting, swimming with dolphins, shopping sprees, adventure sports, lush green countryside, art deco buildings, and World Heritage listed wonders, then New Zealand is for you.

What's Included

Note: Charges/supplements apply for specialty dining, drinks, and select activities, entertainment, and meals.

• P&O Cruise Lines Roll Calls - Australia

Pacific Explorer Roll Calls

Find your Pacific Explorer Call by choosing your sailing month from the drop down menu below.

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133 topics in this forum

• Recently Updated
• Most Viewed
• Most Replies

15 May 2024 Solomon Sea Island Adventure (X424) 1 2

X427 australian explorer 4 jun - 2 jul 2024 departing brisbane, disembark brisbane.

• HereWeGoCru1sing

5 May 2024 Northern Explorer (X423) 1 2 3

Pacific explorer indonesia cruise freo to freo april 3rd 2024 1 2 3 4 5.

• 113 replies

April 22, 2024 Fremantle to Fremantle

Asian explorer, singapore - fremantle 02 march 2025, pacific explorer august 19th 2024 tonga & fiji.

• Over from NZ

Jan 28 - Feb 10 Kiwi Adventure

• helenwaratahh
• November 19, 2023

November 20th 2023 Kiwi Explorer 1 2

• November 15, 2023

12 September 2023 X339 Bounty Discovery

• September 8, 2023

X303 - January 17 - 21 2023 Kangaroo Island

• September 5, 2023

August 29 2023 Pacific Explorer - Bounty Discovery - X337

• August 16, 2023

X427 AUSTRALIAN EXPLORER 6 Jun - 8 Jul 2024 Departing Sydney, Disembark Auckland

• Darryl Metcalfe
• August 4, 2023

X427 AUSTRALIAN EXPLORER 6 Jun - 4 Jul 2024 Departing Sydney, Disembark Sydney

Pacific explorer x334 august 8th 2023.

• July 15, 2023

July 17 2023 X332 Bounty Adventure Fiji, Tonga and Norfolk Island- Auckland return

• July 11, 2023

June 24, 2023 X329 Classic Short Break Cairns to Auckland

• June 17, 2023

September 8th, 2023 Bay of Islands X338

• June 15, 2023

June 14 2023 Solomon sea islands

• June 7, 2023

June 4th 2023 Solomon Sea Islands

• June 3, 2023

9th July 2023 Fiji encounter (X331)

• May 20, 2023

Kimberley Coast Adventure April 26, 2023

• April 22, 2023

17 April 2023 Ningsloo Hybrid Eclipse Cruise

• April 16, 2023

April 8th 2023 Pacific Explorer, Perth - Perth

• March 30, 2023

Kimberley Coast Adventure

• February 3, 2023
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• CruiseMapper

Pacific Explorer deck plans

Deck layouts, review of facilities, activities, amenities.

Pacific Explorer deck plan review at CruiseMapper provides newest cruise deck plans (2024-2025-2026 valid floor layouts of the vessel) extracted from the officially issued by P&O Australia (P&O Cruises) deckplan pdf (printable version).

Each of the Pacific Explorer cruise ship deck plans are conveniently combined with a legend (showing cabin codes) and detailed review of all the deck's venues and passenger-accessible indoor and outdoor areas. A separate link provides an extensive information on Pacific Explorer staterooms (cabins and suites), including photos, cabin plans and amenities by room type and category.

Pacific Explorer (1997-built as Dawn Princess, last refurbished in 2020) is the second of the three Sun-class Princess Cruises ships - together with Sea (Dream Charming) and Sun (Pacific World) . In May 2017, the Dawn Princess was renamed to "Pacific Explorer" and transferred to P&O Australia . P&O Australia is a Carnival Corporation brand, that received in 2015 two Holland America ships - Ryndam (Celestyal Journey) and Statendam (Vasco de Gama Nicko) .

Pacific Explorer cruise ship deck plan shows a total of 998 cabins for 1996 passengers (max capacity 2395) served by 924 crew-staff. The boat has 14 decks (11 passenger-accessible, 7 with cabins), 6 dining options (restaurants and food bars, including 1x pub, 1x pizzeria), 8 lounges and bars, 3 swimming pools, 6 Jacuzzis (outdoor whirlpool hot tubs), 9 elevators.

Passenger-use launderettes (laundromats) are located on decks 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11. These are self-service laundry facilities with ironing boards and detergent being provided.

Note: Dawn Princess deck plans show a total of 999 cabins for 1950 passengers (max capacity 2270), 7 restaurants and bars, 6 lounges.

Pacific Explorer deckplan changes 2020 refurbishment review

During the ship's drydock 2020 refurbishment (February 12-27, in Singapore ) were conducted general maintenance works, hull cleaning and repainting, repairs. The USD 30 million drydocking project also included renovations of public areas (venues, hallways, staircases) and all cabins - including new carpeting, upholstery, artworks, lights. Both theaters and several public spaces were renovated, new cabin categories and games activities for families were introduced.

The drydocking project resulted in the following changes.

Completely redesigned were 400 Gradi (midship deck 8, Pizzeria by chef Johnny Di Francesco) and Luke's Bar (deck 14, grill bar by chef Luke Mangan). Luke's Bar now also functions as a specialty restaurant for lunch and dinner but continues to operate daily as a poolside food bar for premium burgers and seafood dishes (takeaway option).

A new games arcade was added on deck 12 (aft). Among the 21 arcade machines is the popular VR game "Virtual Rabbids".

For families were added two new 5-bed Suites, with perks like priority embarkation-disembarkation-tendering and complimentary laundry service. All the ship’s quad cabins were fitted with new beds, carpets, artworks, full-length luggage lockers.

• The Elemis Spa (deck 12, wellness complex) was redesigned and the Beauty Bar now has a nail studio.

Some of the main public spaces (The Atrium, The Pantry, Marquee Lounge) were also refreshed. Black Circus Lounge (deck 5) was renovated and updated with new artworks and upholstery.

Pacific Explorer deck plan changes 2017 refurbishment review

Before entering P&O Australia's fleet, the cruise ship underwent a multi-million drydock refit and refurbishment (May 30 - June 9) in Singapore by Sembcorp Marine. As Dawn Princess, the vessel was last refurbished in 2016 May. Deckplan changes following the refit included:

• (deck 5) Florentine Restaurant was transformed into Waterfront Restaurant.
• (deck 6) Rigoletto Restaurant was redesigned into 2 new specialty restaurants - Dragon Lady (Asian / portside) and Angelo's (Italian / starboard).
• (deck 7 forward) Princess Theater was renamed to The Marquee.
• (deck 7 forward starboard) Wheelhouse Bar was transformed into Summer Pub.
• (deck 7 port side) Jammers disco was transformed into the Blue Room.
• (deck 7 port side) "Library & Writing Room" was transformed into HQ&HQ* (kids facilities). Internet Cafe was removed.
• (deck 7 aft) Vista Lounge was transformed into Black Circus Lounge & Bar.
• (pool deck 12 aft) Ice Cream Bar was transformed into P&O AU's signature "New Zealand Natural Ice Cream". Turtle Cove (kids lounge) was renamed to Youth Center. Shark Shack (teens lounge) was renamed to Teen Center. Lotus Spa was renamed to Elemis Day Spa. Platinum Studio was renamed to Photo Studio.
• (lido deck 14) Horizon Buffet was transformed into The Pantry (marketplace). Movies Under The Stars (outdoor theatre) was renamed to Big Screen. Seaview Bar (aft) was renamed to The Oasis (adults deck).

For the ship transformation were hired 1000+ contractor workers who spent over 200,000 hours fitting the vessel with 25,000 m2 of new carpets, painting 10,000 m2 of walls, and installing more than 3,000 units of new furniture and ~1200 artworks. The hull was adorned the P&O Australia's new Southern Cross livery, introduced on Pacific Dawn (now Ambassador Ambience) in March 2017.

The list of newly added (fleet's first) venues and facilities on MS Pacific Explorer includes:

• barefoot lawn (bowling green court)
• Aqua Park (deck 15) with 2 waterslides (stretching over 80 m / 260 ft) and a separate shaded area for kids (with dumping bucket and oversized water toys).
• top-deck P&OEdge Adventure Park (outdoor sporting facility)
• Luke's fast-casual dining (poolside grill by Australian chef Luke Mangan)
• 400 Gradi (Neapolitan pizzeria by chef Johnny Di Francesco)
• The Bonded Store (new bar with signature cocktails menu via a partnership with Sydney -based Archie Rose Distilling Co, themed whisky- and gin-making classes and tasting events).

Deck layouts

Deck 04 - hospital, deck 05 - cabins-lobby-dining1, deck 06 - cabins-shops-dining2, deck 07 - promenade-lounge, deck 08 - cabins-casino, deck 09 - cabins, deck 10 - cabins, deck 11 - cabins-bowling, deck 12 - cabins-bridge-gym-spa-pools-kids, deck 14 - lido-sundeck, deck 15 - sports-waterslides-adults sundeck, deck 16 - dawn princess_deck4-gala, deck 17 - dawn princess_deck5-plaza, deck 18 - dawn princess_deck6-emerald, deck 19 - dawn princess_deck7-promenade, deck 20 - dawn princess_deck8-dolphin, deck 21 - dawn princess_deck9-caribe, deck 22 - dawn princess_deck10-baja, deck 23 - dawn princess_deck11-aloha, deck 24 - dawn princess_deck12-riviera, deck 25 - dawn princess_deck14-lido, deck 26 - dawn princess_deck15-sundeck.

Pacific Explorer deck plans are property of P&O Australia (P&O Cruises) . All deck layouts are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

Pacific Explorer

Ship specifications.

City Brisbane

City Auckland

City Melbourne

City Adelaide

City Fremantle

City Cairns

Pacific explorer itineraries, 3 night comedy cruise, 10 night kimberley coast adventure, 10 night northern explorer, 10 night solomon sea islands, 7 night new guinea island encounter, 3 night classic short break, 28 night australian explorer, 2 night classic short break, 9 night southern explorer, 32 night australian explorer, 19 night northern explorer, 2 night comedy cruise, 4 night comedy cruise, 9 night pacific island hopper, 8 night fiji encounter, 13 night bounty adventure, 3 night country, 10 night tongan discovery, 4 night picton, 10 night bounty discovery, 4 night tribute to the king™, p&o cruises australia fleet.

Pacific Encounter

Pacific Adventure

Queensland Explorer

$ 1566 price per person (nzd), cruise roundtrip from auckland to see the best of queensland, no international flights required.

Pacific Explorer

From $ 1566 Price Per Person (NZD)

AUCKLAND ROUND-TRIP CRUISE CRUISE ITINERARY: Auckland | Brisbane, Australia | Airlie Beach | Yorkeys Knob (Cairns) | Port Douglas | Townsville | Auckland

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Rooms to suit your style & budget, interior room from.

twin share per person

Oceanview Room from

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FREE Cruise Cash

• Interior & Oceanview Rooms - AUD$250 per room
• Balcony Rooms and higher - AUD$400 per room

* 14 Night Pacific Explorer cruise to Queensland roundtrip from Auckland in your choice of stateroom

* Visit Auckland | Brisbane | Airlie Beach | Yorkeys Knob (Cairns) | Port Douglas | Townsville | Auckland

* All main meals in a choice of dining venues

 * World class entertainment, shows, live music and informative enrichment lectures

* Theme Parties including Bianco, Great Gatsby, Back to School & more

* Daily Onboard Gratuities/Service charge

* All port taxes and applicable government charges

Terms & Conditions

T&C Pak N Go Fare Rules

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