Review
of Vasco da Gama-Nicko deck 30 (Pacific Eden deck11)
The fore-located Wellness Centre (branded “Aqua HealthSpaFitness”) as facilities includes Day Spa (massage rooms), Thermal Suites (Sauna, Steam Rooms, 1 whirlpool), Fitness Centre (modern gym with separate studio for classes at surcharge / personal trainers provided), Changing Rooms, Hair and Beauty Salon (hair cutting-styling-coloring, manicures-pedicures, teeth-whitening, botox), Barber Shop (professional grooming services, hot towel shave, beard trimming-styling)).
Elemis at Sea Spa offers various facials with brand's premium products, also body wraps, massages, waxing, brow tinting and shaping, lash enhancements, detoxifying and slimming treatments. Spa discounts are offered for purchasing more than 1 treatment. Thermal Suite consists of 5 heated benches, aromatic steam rooms, sauna rooms, warm air room, monsoon rain showers. Thermal Suite costs US$179 PP or US$299 per couple (full-cruise pass on 7-8-night cruises) or US$99 PP and US$149 per couple (shorter itineraries). Day pass costs US$29 PP, regardless cruise duration. The fore-located Gym is equipped with exercise bikes, treadmills and strengthening equipment. The Fitness is open for passengers aged 16+ and free of charge. Daily complimentary fitness classes are offered, including stretching and abs workouts. At-fee offered classes include Yoga (US$13), Pilates (US$13), indoor cycling (3 sessions for US$30), personal training (US$97 per hour), body sculpt boot camp (3x 30-min sessions for US$112).
Pacific Eden ship’s main Lido pool area has a large-size swimming pool, 1 whirlpool, 2 hot tubs, a giant chess board, tennis tables. The whole area is covered with a retractable glass roof. The luxury resort experience here is provided by deluxe day beds, white curtains, live plants, outdoor rugs, lamps. This is also the place for the open-air deck parties held in the evenings.
Pool Bar has a few barstools, stylish lounges, tables and chairs. Its retractable roof and covered spaces enable open-air drinking. The entire bar is non-smoking.
The Grill / “Lido Bar” serves the pool area with light snacks and drinks. Burgers (pulled beef or pork), wraps, nachos, chips, pies and gourmet hot dogs cost US$3 each; pizza is US$9; prawns in a bucket US$15. All-day brekkie (bacon & egg roll/chorizo & egg wrap) costs US$3.
New Zealand Natural Ice Cream (prices from US$5) also sells iced coffee, thickshakes, specialty coffees and teas, even liqueur coffees with cream.
“The Pantry” is a big-capacity, self service buffet restaurant (P&O Australia line’s new marketplace dining concept) with both indoor and outdoor seating (an open-air terrace). Dining times vary (sea / port days): Breakfast (6:30-10:30am), Lunch (11:30-3pm), and Dinner (5:30-9pm). Kettle & Bun remains open from 11am until 9:30pm. On sea days, the outlets close 30 minutes earlier, at 2:30pm after lunch. Food is complimentary, provided via various food stations, including McGregor's Garden (Salads Bar), Curry House (Indian), Fat Cow (AU BBQ fare), The Grill (burgers, hot dogs), Fish & Chips (Hook’s), Pasta & Pizza station, Kettle & Bun (gourmet deli sandwiches), Mexicana Bar (tacos), Stix (Asian stir-fried food), drinks bar (incl wine by the glass, beer, specialty coffees /barista-made), Desserts Bar (Sugar Bar, also offering the “New Zealand Natural” ice cream). In the morning, breakfast items are offered at each outlet, including fresh fruit and yoghurt, hot English breakfast, congee and fried noodles, breakfast carving with poached eggs and muffins, pancakes, French toast, pastries, fresh and stewed fruit, as well as the usual toast, cereal and bacon. According to P&O Cruises, The Pantry provides more seats than the former buffets because there are new high tables along the windows with enough stools to seat 20 people. Families and groups can choose from regular tables with chairs and padded-back banquettes, that can accommodate up to 8 people.
