Pacific Explorer deck plans

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).