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Join me onboard the brand new Pacific Encounter for a full and comprehensive tour of the ship’s public spaces.
Having sailed with Princess Cruises as the Star Princess since her launch in 2002, the ship was transferred to the P&O Australia fleet in 2020. She was then transformed into the Pacific Encounter.
She is the first Grand Class ship to ever sail with our local cruise line, and will be joined by sister ship, Pacific Adventure (ex Golden Princess) in 2022.
At 290m in length and 109k gross tonnes, the ship offers plenty of space for its passengers and debuts new features for P&O including the Byron Beach Club, Altitude night club, Lilly’s wine and cheese bar and Avalon Cafe.
On the dining front, the ship offers several P&O classics including the Waterfront, Angelo’s Italian, Dragon Lady and 400 Gradi. Additionally, celebrity chef, Luke Mangan’s Salt Bar & Grill debuts aboard Encounter. Plus, a new poolside takeaway pizza venue called Gradi Pronto is available next to Luke Mangan’s casual eatery, Luke’s Burger Bar.
P&O’s take on the cruise ship buffet is also available. Called The Pantry, this dining venue is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers an array of cuisines from each of its food-court like shop fronts. There is also a range of self-service food options like sandwiches, salads, fruit and bakery items available throughout the day.
The Encounter Hotel is P&O’s take on the classic Australian pub. This completely revamped space is a central hub of entertainment and activities onboard Encounter and is where you’ll go draught beer and a whole lot of fun.
Pacific Encounter will eventually have twin-racing waterslides installed on her upper pool deck, with the installation scheduled for early 2023. At the moment though, she offers a few of the usual P&O Edge features for those that would like to experience more in the way of adrenaline pumping activities.
The adults only Oasis is located completely aft, with multiple terraced decks cascading down to a wake-view pool. With its own bar and comfortable loungers, this is a fantastic spot to while away a day at sea.
A brand new indoor two level family pool zone means that kids and parents can enjoy their time onboard in an environment tailor made for families.
Pacific Encounter’s crowning glory and most unmistakable physical feature is the Altitude night club. Perched high above her stern, the lounge by day and night club by evening sits on Deck 18 and provides for incredible daytime views and night time fun. With a dance floor, DJ booth, bar and ample seating spaces, Altitude is the new go-to night time entertainment zone.
There are plenty of other spaces to enjoy board, like Black Circus, the Marquee Theatre, Charlie’s Bar, the Ocean Bar, Blue Room and Encounter Hotel so make sure you watch the whole tour to not miss a thing.
