Pacific Adventure

The 2001-built (as "Golden Princess") cruise ship Pacific Adventure was the 2nd Grand-class vessel in the Princess Cruises fleet, with sisterships Crown, Diamond, Caribbean,Grand, Emerald, Ruby, Star (now Pacific Encounter), Sapphire.

In 2020, Golden Princess was transferred to P&O Australia's fleet and renamed "Pacific Adventure" after a scheduled drydock refurbishment in 2021. In November 2021, Star Princess (as Pacific Encounter) joins Pacific Adventure in P&O Australia's fleet, replacing there the smaller Pacific Jewel (scrapped as "MS Karnika" in 2021).

History - construction and ownership

P&O Cruises is a subsidiary company and two brands owned by Carnival Corporation - P&O UK and P&O Australia. In 2000, P&O Cruises became subsidiary of P&O Princess Cruises, which merged with Carnival Corporation in 2003. P&O is the world's oldest cruise company, starting passenger shipping operations in 1822 on the routes connecting England with Iberia.

Ship's hull is adorned with the P&O AU's new livery - the Southern Cross (national symbol of Australia and New Zealand, also incorporated in their country flags).

Cruise itinerary program

In late-October 2018, P&O Australia announced the inaugural cruise season of Pacific Adventure. The itinerary program 2020 features voyages of 13-nights and longer. Winter 2020 program has 132 departures (including 57x Short Breaks of 2-3-4-nights) departing from homeports Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney NSW.

On longer itineraries, PandO passengers can participate in various themed activities on the ship, covering topics like current affairs, arts-crafts, culinary, workshops (talks and seminars led by famous Australian guest presenters), Masquerade Ball.

P&O's Pacific Adventure cruise ship starts her inaugural cruise on October 12, 2020, with an 18-night "Southeast Asia and Australia" repositioning from Singapore to Sydney NSW. The maiden voyage visits ports in Malaysia (Penang, Langkawi) and Australia (Cairns, Darwin, Airlie Beach, Brisbane, Sydney). Prices started from USD 2400 (quad share cabin).

Pacific Adventure will be homeported in Sydney. The first 8 cruises visit New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, South Pacific Islands (also Fiji). The itineraries are themed "New Guinea Island Encounter" (11-night), "Kiwi Adventure" (13-night) and "Fiji Explorer" (14-night). Mini-cruises (short-breaks) include 3-night "comedy" (cruise to nowhere), 4-night to Moreton Island. 6-night roundtrip Sydney (Melbourne Cup, Oct 31).

Decks and Cabins

Pacific Adventure staterooms (1316 total) include 736 cabins with balconies (78% of all the 950 outside rooms). Wheelchair-accessible cabins (for disabled passengers) are 26 (of which 1 window suite, 12 balcony, 4 outside, 9 inside). Balcony staterooms are 560, the number of Suites and Mini-Suites is 260.

The boat has 16 decks, of which 13 are passenger-accessible and 9 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The 3100-passenger ship Pacific Adventure offers various dining experiences, such as exciting concepts from award-winning Melbourne chef Johnny Di Francesco and Australian chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan. Continuing P&O AU's ongoing shipboard dining evolution, Pacific Adventure’s 2021 refurbishment included two casual dining venues - "Luke’s" (poolside grill by Australian chef Luke Mangan) and "400 Gradi" (traditional Neapolitan pizzeria by chef Johnny Di Francesco). Other venues include the P&O signature Waterfront Restaurant, Angelo’s (Italian), Dragon Lady (Asian), The Pantry (buffet restaurant / international marketplace with 9 fresh food outlets). Besides the pool, guests can use the ship's Big Red Phone pizza delivery hotline to order pizza straight to their poolside lounge.

Follows the complete list of Adventure restaurants and food bars.

• The ship has 2 specialty restaurants / at a fee - Dragon Lady (Asian) and Angelo's (Italian).
• Waterfront Restaurant (main dining room, complimentary)
• The Pantry (buffet restaurant/marketplace with 9 fresh food outlets, international cuisine, complimentary) on MS Pacific Explorer is extended and includes a 9th food outlet named "Nic and Toni’s" ((Mediterranean cuisine).
• Luke’s Grill (fast-casual dining / poolside grill by Australian chef Luke Mangan) overlooks the main pool area
• Cellar Room (winery), Chef’s Table (specialty)
• 400 Gradi (Neapolitan pizzeria by chef Johnny Di Francesco)
• The Bonded Store (bar with signature cocktails menu via a partnership with Archie Rose Distilling Co, themed whisky- and gin-making classes and tasting events)
• New Zealand Natural Ice Cream (outdoor bar / complimentary)
• "Lobster and Burger" (a poolside bar serving seafood rolls, premium beef and pulled pork burgers)
• "The Black Circus" (supper club with cabaret-style live entertainment).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Pacific Adventure passengers can enjoy thrilling waterslides, kids waterpark, extreme sports park and barefoot bowls on the ship's top deck. Popular leisure and relaxation options are a day spa, cabana-style pool area, plenty of pools and jacuzzis, live music and shows. All ages enjoy the adventures of P&OEdge program with a climbing course and a zip line across the top deck. 

P&O Cruises Australia newest ship Pacific Adventure boasts a private ‘Beach Club’ for a limited number of passengers. Named in homage to Byron Bay, one of the world's best beach destinations, P&O named the exclusive facility Byron Beach Club. The exceptional retreat is available to passengers booked into ship's suites and mini-suites. It offers a private outdoor pool, along with whirlpool spas and comfy seating on the top deck of the ship. With expansive sea views, guests can enjoy relaxation in stylish surroundings. In addition to the spa and pool area, Byron Beach Club guests can enjoy their own dining concierge service with priority reservation at all of the dining outlets onboard, including the new concepts from Australian restaurateur Luke Mangan and Melbourne chef Johnny Di Francesco.

Pacific Adventure boasts a sprawling kid-free Oasis retreat across multiple decks, with sun lounges, spa tubs, a pool, and a dedicated bar. The Blue Room returns as a live-music venue with soft furnishings for vacationers to sit back and enjoy live R&B, blues, and soul.

Follows the complete list of Pacific Adventure ship's lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Grand Atrium (4-deck open floor area; features live performances entertainment and served by lobby Bar/Charlie's Bar offering specialty coffees, pastries, desserts, also wine and liquor)
• Atrium Boutiques/shopping arcade
• Art Gallery; Photo Gallery and Shop; Photo Studio
• Internet Cafe / Card Room; Library
• The Marquee Theater (musical and show productions; hosts workshops, seminars, game shows)
• Blue Room (disco nightclub)
• HQ & HQ+ (has a large dance floor and DJ programming in the evenings). Here are also hosted daily karaoke, game shows, art auctions, various classes.
• Casino (with modern poker machines with large curved screens, slot machines, and gambling tables, served with drinks by its own bar. Texas Hold'em tournaments and Pokies tournaments are held here)
• Black Circus Lounge and Bar (live entertainment lounge with a dedicated stage for performances by guest comedians, singers, illusionists)
• Explorer Hotel / Summer Pub (piano bar during the day and an English pub nightly)
• Elemis Day Spa complex; Beauty Salon; Fitness Center (separate Aerobics Studio)
• Big Screen (LED screen outdoor cinema)
• Video Games Arcade; Teen Center; Kids & Teen Centers Turtle Cove & Shark Shack; Youth Center with Paddling Pool and outdoor playground areas
• Sun Deck (adult-only open-air top-deck area)
• The Oasis (adults-only aft deck)
• Sports Court (volleyball, basketball, European football)
• Shuffleboard, Golf Net, mini-golf course, barefoot lawn bowling green
• The ship's Aqua Park is P&O Cruises' ever first water park with slides. Its 2 waterslides stretch over 80 m (260 ft) and features LED lights, sound effects, several twists, and turns. The park has a separate shaded area for kids, equipped with a dumping bucket and oversized water toys.
• P&OEdge Adventure Park (outdoor sporting facility with a flying fox, rock-climbing wall, and 'Walk the Plank'). Also on the top deck (aft) are located the ship's 135m-long dual racing waterslides and bowling green court for games of barefoot bowls.

Princess Cruises Golden ship is a Grand-class liner, with (same-designed) sisterships Grand and Star (now Pacific Encounter). The other (similarly-designed) vessels from this class are the Princess ships Caribbean, Crown, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire. Ship's godmother was Merlisa George - at that time "Miss USVI" (US Virgin Islands). The inaugural cruise (maiden voyage) started on May 16, 2001 (UK to Mediterranean itinerary from Southampton to Barcelona). Fan fact is that in the period 1993-1997, under the same name (Golden Princess) was chartered the ship MV Boudicca (Fred Olsen).

In December 2019, the liner became fleet's first Australia-based vessel (leaving from homeport Melbourne Victoria) with installed MedallionNet technology. Also in 2019, the innovative technology was installed on the fleetmates Coral (April), Island (May), Crown (June), Emerald (August) and Sky (October).

Pacific Adventure inaugural cruise 2020 itineraries

Golden Princess' last itinerary for Princess Cruises was the 30-day relocation cruise from Alaska to Asia (Vancouver to Singapore) - priced from ~USD 2700 pp.

The renamed Golden Princess was planned to start cruises (as "Pacific Adventure") for P&O Australia with the 18-day repositioning cruise from Singapore to Sydney NSW.

The voyage was also available for booking as 16-day Singapore to Brisbane. However, the relocation itinerary was cancelled in July.

The ship's new Maiden Voyage (in Australia) became the 6-day "Melbourne Cup Carnival" Sydney roundtrip.

The inaugural NZ cruise is the 13-day "Kiwi Adventure"

Follows the inaugural 14-day South Pacific Islands itinerary "Bounty Adventure"

Golden Princess Australia cruise itineraries 2018-2019

For the first time ever, Princess Cruises 2018 itinerary program offers itineraries leaving round-trip from port Adelaide Australia to New Zealand. The Golden cruise ship's first departure is scheduled for January 8, 2018. Ports of call are Melbourne AU, and in NZ - Dunedin, Akaroa, Wellington, Gisborne, Tauranga, Auckland, Fiordland Park.

Golden Princess Asia-Alaska cruise 2018

In 2018 (April-May) Princess Cruises scheduled the "Epic Adventure" cruise itinerary leaving oneway from Singapore to Alaska. It was offered as 2 segments - 29-day to Whittier AK, and 36-day to Vancouver Canada. Next table shows the longer itinerary as ports of call and port dates/times. Prices started from USD 5700 pp (double occupancy inside cabin rates). The shorter segment (Singapore-Whittier) was priced from USD 2730 pp.

According to the company, the longer than usual repositioning cruise was created due to demand from Asian customers wishing to embark closer from home and go all the way to Alaska, instead of just booking the 7-day "Alaska Grand Adventure" itinerary. It also appealed to Asians as the route linked many Asian ports famous for their themed activities and local cuisine.

Golden Princess ship review

All Golden Princess restaurants were open-seating, including the alternative dinner venues (reservations-only) Sabatini’s Italian and Crown Grill (both with surcharges pp). Wheelhouse Bar served pub lunches. A grill and pizzeria offered complimentary fast-food choices as casual snacks. The ice-cream bars and patisseries (at extra charge) served premium ice cream and speciality coffee beverages. A wine bar offered fine wines selection, artisan cheeses, evening snacks. Chef’s Table and Ultimate Balcony Dining options were also available, as well as Afternoon Tea and Room Service. Follows the complete list of Golden Princess restaurants and food bars.

• Bernini Restaurant (aft Dining Room; dinner only - offers “Anytime Dining” between 5:30 p.m. -10 p.m.)
• Crown Grill (160-seat steakhouse/seafood restaurant, reservations recommended; on select days serves British Pub Lunch, complimentary)
• Donatello Restaurant (ship's forward Dining Room for Breakfast 7-9 a.m., Lunch 12-1:30 p.m., Afternoon Tea 3:30-4:30 p.m.; features “Anytime Dining” for Dinner between 5:30-8 p.m. or 8-10 p.m.)
• Canaletto Restaurant (dinner only aft Dining Room; with 2 fixed seatings at 5:45 and 8 p.m.)
• Sabatini’s Restaurant (Italian speciality restaurant; reservations recommended)
• Trident Grill & Prego Pizzeria (self-service, complimentary fast food bar)
• Horizon Court (self-service buffet restaurant, complimentary)
• Sterling Steakhouse (speciality restaurant).

Both Vista Lounge and Princess Theater hosted renown entertainers and grand production shows. Princess Theater was the main show lounge, with same-level orchestra seating, stadium seating behind, as well as a few boxes. Vista Lounge was cabaret-style, with chairs grouped around small drink tables and along large windows. Explorers Lounge and Wheelhouse Bar (located side by side on Promenade Deck) were smaller entertainment venues hosting karaoke sessions, resident pianist performances, live band music, themed dance parties, fun quizzes and trivia games (during the day). Follows the complete list of Golden Princess lounges, bars, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

• The Piazza Atrium (3-deck open-floor designed area; features live performances entertainment and lobby Bar Piazza)
• Princess Fine Arts Gallery; Photo Gallery & Shop; Platinum Studio
• International Cafe (24-hour speciality coffee bar and patisserie)
• Vines Bar (wine/seafood/sushi bar)
• Library (with Internet stations); Internet Cafe (24-hour)
• Princess Golden Theatre (2-level musical and show productions; hosts workshops, seminars, game shows)
• Players Lounge & Bar (smoking lounge and sports bar)
• Vines Shop; Calypso Cove Shop; Essence Shop; Meridian Bay Shop; Facets Shop
• Grand Casino (gaming lounge with bar)
• Promenade Lounge & Bar (live music; also used for seminars)
• Explorers Lounge & Bar (disco/show lounge; hosts karaoke, comedy, game shows and art auctions)
• Wheelhouse Bar (piano bar during the day and an English pub nightly)
• Scoops Bar (Sundaes Ice Cream Bar, complimentary)
• Outrigger Bar (poolside bar); Tradewinds Bar
• Golden’s Lotus Spa complex; Beauty Salon; Fitness Center (with Aerobics Studio)
• Hearts & Minds (Wedding Chapel)
• Movies Under the Stars (LED screen outdoor cinema with extreme wide-angle and advanced outdoor light sensors)
• Video Games Arcade; Teen Center; Youth Center with Paddling Pool and outdoor playing areas
• The Conservatory (recreation area); The Sanctuary (adult-only outdoor sundeck); The Oasis relaxation area
• Calypso Reef & Pool area; Neptune’s Reef & Pool area
• The Skywalker (Jogging Track); Sports Court (volleyball, basketball, European football); Shuffleboard, Deck Chess; Princess Links mini-golf course
• Skywalkers Disco Nightclub