P&O Cruises Australia’s flagship Pacific Explorer entered its homeport Sydney NSW on March 16, 2020, boasting new features following an intensive drydock refit and refurbishment done in Singapore.
The project included a complete redesign of the two popular dining outlets - 400 Gradi (midship deck 8, by pizza chef Johnny Di Francesco) and Luke’s (deck 14, poolside grill bar by celebrity chef Luke Mangan). Both ship's theatres and several public spaces were renovated, new cabin categories and games activities for families were introduced.
The Luke’s Bar (overlooking the top deck's swimming pool) was transformed into a stylish and relaxed restaurant for lunch and dinner. The respected Australian chef's latest offering is his signature dishes with matching wines. Vacationers can expect some of the much-loved Luke Mangan’s plates, such as Kingfish Sashimi and liquorice parfait plus additions to the menu like Luke’s Barramundi for two and Kitchen beef slider. During the day, Luke’s continues to serve its popular range of burgers including the ‘Salt Grill breakfast burger’ and dishes like Spiced Sydney sirloin and Cajun-spiced ocean trout - these can be enjoyed at the restaurant as well as taken away to eat by the pool.
Midship deck 8, the Pizzeria 400 Gradi was refreshed to create an intimate setting for enjoying authentic Italian dishes and traditional Neapolitan pizzas.
Pacific Explorer was fitted with a new games arcade (21 machines), including the popular VR game "Virtual Rabbids".
Families can enjoy a greater choice of stateroom options as on the ship 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.