Pacific Explorer Showcase 21June 2017
Study Tour report: P & O’s Pacific Explorer 21-22 June 2017
By Kylie Duncan-Tiver
Embarkation for our small group of 4 was quick and easy, most agents had already boarded since one of the flights was delayed coming in, so we waited for the last flight and all travelled together
The public areas that have been reinvented by P&O on this ship have been done very well, based on the areas of the ship that I did see.
1st stop: food:
The Pantry – set out like Eden and Aria, except to go the full circle around the Pantry, you need to go back out into the foyer where the lifts are to get back into the restaurant.
The standard of food was OK, not brilliant but certainly ok. They tended not to have the bench tables like on Eden and Aria, and I think this makes for a more relaxed feel.
Waterfront Restaurant: we had dinner there ( all agents were allocated a particular restaurant for dinner ) and the steak I had was delicious.. looked not so great but was very very nice, tender and cooked to perfection.
Luke’s: serves Gourmet burgers for additional cost, overlooks the Lido deck, relaxing place to be and sit.
A Taste of Salt: Luke Mangan’s specialty restaurant with Degustation dinner, additional cost.
Angelo’s and Dragon Lady are the specialty restaurants which are included in the cruise fare. I ate at both of these on Aria, so would expect a similar good standard of food there.
400 Gradi – Pizzeria – I didn’t get to test, but looked pretty good.
Bars:
the pop up bar at the rear of the pool area has premix cocktails , which were pretty average, the ones that were made to order from the other bars were much better quality drinks.
Blue Lounge: was great with Live music, bar staff were kept on their toes, space for dancing, seating etc.. More closed in and inclusive than the layout on Pacific Eden
The Explorer Hotel is typical of a normal pub / bistro scene with space for live music and easy access before going into the Theatre, good relaxing easy vibe.
The bonded Store was packed to capacity when I went past, with the door just being closed, they couldn’t have fit more in if they tried, so Im guessing it was a popular spot!
Entertainment:
Black Circus is the Adults only entertainment venue, which will generally have a surcharge for the shows that get put on
The Marquee is the general theatre, and the seating hasn’t been updated, but still the seats were comfortable enough, for the duration that we were ensconced.
The activities for the young at heart, and the young, have access to the 2 waterslides, waterpark, barefoot bowls, rock climbing, zip lining, and walk the plank.. one of the slides has lighting and music for your rapid ride down!
I didn’t get a chance to see the Home by P&O Cruises store, but the quick look I did have inside the normal shop was that all was laid out well, and easily accessible.
The staff: for the showcase, they were possibly a little under prepared, but nevertheless had a wonderful attitude, and nothing was too much trouble especially for those showing a little appreciation.
The restaurant staff in the Waterfront were excellent, far and above the service that I received on Pacific Eden.
The cabins: nothing has changed except for new linen, towels etc, the bathroom is on the small side for a cruise ship, but certainly liveable.. Balcony wasn’t big, but if you want a big balcony, upgrade to a Mini Suite..
The single beds had the original mattresses from dawn Princess days, but were still comfortable.
Feather pillows do not suit everyone, so if you have a specialty pillow at home you use, then I suggest you bring your own.
Overall the new furnishings and updates done have been done very very well, the standard is higher than Eden and Aria, and I would certainly be happy to recommend this ship with her crew.