Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden to offer range of new onboard features after extensive refurbishments
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Pacific Eden and Pacific Aria will offer ‘affordable luxury’ when they join the P&O Cruises fleet in Australia this November, according to Sture Myrmell, the line’s senior vice president
The 1,500-guest ships, which previously sailed as part of the Holland America Line fleet, will undergo extensive drydock refurbishments in Singapore before entering service.
Tailored to Australian and New Zealand passengers, the new features will include Oasis, an adults-only area that has hanging chairs and private day beds with sheer curtains; an updated Lido pool with a retractable roof; and The Blue Room, a live funk, blues, jazz and RnB music venue that has been designed to reflect a New Orleans speakeasy with velvet and chrome furnishings.
In addition, the ships will offer penthouse suites with large spa baths, walk-in wardrobes and floor-to-ceiling glass windows opening onto expansive private balconies.
Meanwhile, upgraded dining venues include Angelo’s, Dragon Lady, an Australia-themed Waterfront restaurant, the Pantry food market and Salt grill by Luke Mangan, which offers dishes made from fresh Australian produce. Both ships will also offer private dining rooms with the Chef’s Table, which are popular on P&O’s three other Australia-based ships.
“Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden represent the next generation of P&O ships inspired by modern Australia,” said Myrmell. “The new onboard features will drastically change the overall look and feel of our ships. It will be a relaxed vibe, casual enough to bring the sand in from the beach, but with a touch of sophistication that will feel luxurious and indulgent.”
Designed to sail year-round in Australia and New Zealand, Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden will join Pacific Jewel, Pacific Pearl and Pacific Dawn to bring P&O’s total year-round Australian fleet up to a record five ships. They will be welcomed into the fleet during a five-ship parade in Sydney Harbour on 25 November.
“These additional ships will provide Australian cruisers with a boutique cruise experience year-round right from their doorstep,” said Myrmell. “The best part is that Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden will still provide the great value that a P&O Cruises’ holiday offers – we like to think of it as affordable luxury.”