First Look aboard Pacific Encounter! Come Aboard P&O's Newest Cruise Ship!

Welcome aboard Pacific Encounter, P&O Australia’s newest and largest cruise ship. At over 109,000 gross tons this is P&O Australia’s first grand class ship – and she will be joined by the similarly sized Grand Class Pacific Adventure later this year. I was invited aboard the Pacific Encounter while it was alongside in Sydney. P&O wanted to share some of the exciting changes to the ship since it’s refit. So this is a bit of a preview tour – focusing on the amenities found on Deck 5, 6 and 7 – the main entertainment decks of the ship. Stepping aboard the ship and immediately you can tell she’s had a big refit. There’s that new-ship smell, thanks to new carpets, window dressing, furniture, as well as a host of new amenities. Entering the ship through the embarkation – disembarkation lounge, we’ll head to the Atrium – which spans three decks aboard Pacific Encounter. Smaller in height than the same space aboard the Sun Class Pacific Explorer, the atrium aboard Pacific Encounter will be a true hub of activity. The area is surrounded by a variety of bars and lounges including Charlie’s bar and Lily’s on Deck 5. The reception deck on Deck 6-, tax- and duty-free shops, the Ocean Bar and access through to the arcade – a space that will be sure to entertain the young and young at heart. Forward on Deck 6, the ship’s Casino spans the full width of the ship. There are an array of gaming tables and slot machines here. Next we’ll visit is the Bonded Store – otherwise known as the Hidden Bar. This small bar is tucked away on Deck 6 just forward of the Casino. It is an intimate location, with a sizable bar given the scale of the room and serves specialty cocktails including some designed especially for P&O Australia. One level up on Deck 5, the Promenade deck wraps around the ship – stepping up to Deck 8 at the bow. Inside, Luke’s Bar and Grill is significantly larger than the restaurant by the same name aboard Pacific Explorer, with a plusher, more premium interior fit out. This restaurant has a specialty menu overseen by Australian chef Luke Mangan. Passing through the atrium, and the Encounter Hotel is a central meeting place aboard the ship. It sports an Aussie-inspired interior with unique Australian items on the walls, including maps. There’s a large bar, and it was here that we were invited to sample P&O’s new specialty beer. The Pacific Larger is a light and fresh drop, created in collaboration with Australian brewery Coopers. The encounter hotel aboard Pacific Encounter is large, spacious and has a stage and dance floor – adding an extra dimension to what I am sure will be a popular room. Aft of the Encounter Hotel you’ll find the Blue Room. It is Pacific Encounters night club and jazz bar – and sports a sophisticated décor. It backs onto 400 Gradi, the ship’s dedicated specialty pizza restaurant. Passing through the photo gallery, at the aft of Deck 7 is Black Circus. It is one of the ship’s two main show lounges and it is here that you’ll find a new show for P&O – Blanc de Blanc Uncorked. We got a preview of this unique show – which can also be seen on the international stage. This show will be offered on the ship’s Brisbane cruise itineraries, is a lot of fun and definitely adults only – so keep that in mind when you plan your day. There is a lot more exiting things to do aboard Pacific Encounter including multiple pools on the open deck, multiple restaurants and even an adults only oasis – however on this tour those areas were still being prepared for the ship’s first passenger voyage – so I’ll have to return to the ship sometime soon to do a full tour. I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse aboard the newly refreshed Pacific Encounter, the largest cruise ship to ever wear the P&O colours in Australia. Are you planning to cruise aboard – or did you sail with the ship as the Star Princess back when she cruised with Princess Cruises – leave a comment below. Thanks for watching and until next time, I hope to sea you on board. -- Thumbnail: Thanks to P&O Cruises. Arrow: Jesse Pinkman -- #cruiseship #pacificencounter #cruise #cruiseline #cruisenews