P&O Pacific Explorer, it really is a floating hotel
Destination Sydney, NSW, Australia
LOCATION
Brisbane - Sydney
RATING
3 Stars
TREND
Safety
MAPPING
Hospitality, Food & Beverage, Front Office, Housekeeping, WHS
I am full of anticipation as I see the my floating hotel in the distance; docked at the Brisbane International cruise terminal. I'm about to embark on a two night cruise from Brisbane to Sydney. I'm keen to explore this vessel, I am fascinated in the logistics of preparing 3 meals a day; everyday for well over 2000 guests and crew. I can only imagine the contingencies considered when checking out the passengers at the end of their journey only to onboard another 2000 to begin theirs. Think of all the glasses they have to polish!
White Bay Cruise Terminal Check In, Sydney
Pacific Explorer Reception
Airlines and hotels expect us to look after ourselves by checking in on-line, and it's no different with cruising. However; there is one difference with a cruise check in; there are two receptions. The two receptions have different functions but they work in tandem to ensure passenger arrival and departures are seamless. Upon arrival at the reception staff at the Brisbane International cruise terminal confirmed that my online checkin was complete, they confirmed my identity, collected credit card details, checked my luggage, took my photo and issued me with a card use charge any ancillary charges to the cabin. In contrast the reception on the main lobby deck of the ship looked familiar to a hotel reception desk. Here, the staff provided the kind of services we come to expect from the hotel reception. They provide information on the day's activities ahead, they deal with all account and payment issues, and respond to any general passenger enquiries.
The atrium style lobby is the central heart of the ship. A central stair case winds its way from deck five through to deck eight as does two panoramic elevators. On deck 5 I find the reception desk along with a shore excursions desk and coffee shop. Each of 4 levels above house a variety of venues from duty free, gift shop, restaurants, bar, lounges and a piano for evening entertainment. The lobby is used for events throughout the cruise. On day two staff can be seen scurrying around the lobby preparing for a "Great Gatsby" themed evening.
So many lounges to choose from
The lobby is the main lounge and bar for the ship situated around the atrium. A pianist entertains during the evenings and guests use their on board cards to charge drinks to their cabin.
The Explorer Hotel: This lounge and bar provides a relaxing place to read and chill during the day. It is also the meeting point for regular quizzes and competitions.
The Explorer Hotel: This space ramps up in the evening as one of the places to meet for pre-dinner drinks. Later on the live music and dancing begins.
The lobby bar provides a reasonably priced wine list. Guests can choose from a selection of beers, spirits and just about any cocktail of their choice.
A popular resting place in the lobby. Large bay windows provide a comfy place to sit and relax and enjoy the view pass by.
A casino is on deck eight that offers slot machines and there is a small number of gaming tables such as black jack.
Life of leisure at sea
Deck 12 is where I found the pools, two main pools were in the central area of the ship, while a smaller circular pool and hot tubs were located at the rear of the ship near the gym and spa. The ship also boasted two water slides for those willing to enter the chilly water. The weather was not the best on this cruise; slight ocean swells ensured the ship was rising and falling over the waves. This had a roll on effect in the pool where the swells saw water overflow from the pool at one end then swish down to the other.
One thing that can't be missed on the ship are the bars. There were bars everywhere. The main pool had a bar, the sunset bar was above the pool deck and the oasis bar was located outside the spa. Inside there was a bar in every location, obviously the ensured no one went thirsty!
Australia leads the world in coffee appreciation so it was no surprise to see a cafe providing freshly extracted coffee and snacks on deck five near the lobby.
Charlies was a small lounge to relax and was located adjacent to the cafe. A perfect place to chill and view the ocean over your favourite caffeine fix.
The cruise director managed various activities throughout the cruise such as quizzes, a hole in one challenge was also on the offer for the golf lovers.
Cabin comforts and amenities
My cabin provided the essentials, similar to what may be expected in a hotel. However the quarters were very compact and quite cramped.
The cabin had a small balcony, with enough room for a small table and two chairs. This shot was taken before departing Brisbane.
The bathroom was also compact and tiny. There was a shower with a curtain, large basin and toilet. The ship uses bulk body wash rather than individual bottles.
On board safety
As in a hotel, the cabin location and the evacuation route was located on the back of the cabin door. I'm not sure how I would go in a real emergency, I got lost finding my cabin anyway.
The cabin provided some little extras. Life jackets were provided in the cabin wardrobe. During the cruise there were constant safety announcements and drills being aired across the airwaves.
Upon boarding all guests were required to locate their muster station. A map on the back of the cabin door provided directions in the event of a titanic experience.
Food and beverage offerings
THE PANTRY
The Pantry is the go to buffet restaurant. It was open for breakfast lunch and dinner. The variety of food is staggering. There were sub stations themed with different styles of hot dishes, such as Pasta, Pizza, Asian, Roasts. Each day the options changed which gave further variety for passengers who joined the cruise before Brisbane. An emphasis on hygiene with hand washing stations at every entrance to the Pantry. One unique feature of this restaurant is the ability of guests to enter and dine as many times as they like and there was no set sitting time. There were other restaurants available; such as The Waterfront, serving Australian contemporary cuisine and Dragon Lady with its focus on asian delights. An Italian eatery was also available for an additional charge. When I saw all these venues operational simultaneously I could appreciate the volume of meals and logistics required to serve these meals at the same time.
Breakfast fruits
Pastries
Water Station
Stephen's Take
Unit of Competency Mapping
Teacher Resources
For further information please take advantage of the following documents and website links!
Carnival Cruises Website (Carnival merged with P&O)
Article and all photos original by Stephen Duncan