First Look at Australia Based Cruise Ship Pacific Eden

For the blue rinse set. Boring. Daggy.

Check your cruise baggage and preconceptions at the door because P&O have brought cruising into the very Australian 21^st century with the newly refurbished Pacific Eden, which will be based out of Adelaide in March/April 2016, and regularly after that.

Here is a First Look at Australia Based Cruise Ship Pacific Eden

 

Once a Holland America Line ship, known for its luxury but also for attracting a more mature clientele, Eden is now unrecognizable.

Slick, moody, arty, chic. It totally surprised me after travelling on the more classic style Pacific Princess and P&O’s Pacific Sky in the mid 2000’s. 

From the second you embark and see Nicholas Cage staring down at you, you know you’re in for a thoroughly modern treat.

 

 

Let me count 10 reasons to cruise on the best Australia-based ship, Pacific Eden.

 

Rythym & Blues

Take in a spot of  jazz in The Blue Room.

 

 

There are plenty of cosy spots and plush lounges.

 

 

Even if jazz is not your thing, you can admire the chandelier, and funky, moody surrounds.

 

 

Quirky Chillaxation

You’ll find ample opportunity to relax – your way – throughout the ship.

 

Be that board game & internet access in the atrium.

 

 

Count your steps? How well can you concentrate? The staircases are designed to add fun and confuse with non-concentric numbers on them.

 

 

Prefer classic relaxation? Take your pick.

High backs.

Loungers. 

Cosy sofas. 

 

Pacific Eden has you covered. 

 

Cabana’s By The Sea

At the adults only pool area at the back of the ship, you can swim while you watch the ship’s wake and following birds.

Deck chairs too sunny?

Help yourself to one of the two canopied cabanas.

Surely there is no better spot to sip a cocktail.

 

 

 

 

Love In An Elevator

You’ll be living it up as you’re going down just like Aerosmith, with each of the ship’s elevators decorated with a different scene.

When the doors swing open you might find yourself in the daffodils of Holland.

Rainforests of the Daintree perhaps.

Or you might find yourself waiting for the lightning to crack over sugar cane fields of northern Australia. 

 

 

Feeling Sporty?

 

There are two pools on board for you to work off that excess energy. My personal favourite is the adults only pool at the back of the ship. 

 

 

Take it to The Edge for something more extreme. A flying fox, abseiling the funnel, walk the plank or have a go in the gravity defying Gyroscope and more. 

 

 

Need more? How about a gymnasium with circuit-training and fitness classes. Also on the lower promenade deck is a 360 degree jogger track.

 

Craft Brews

 

Thirsty? You’re spoilt for choice as a beer lover, with a wide selection of Matilda Bay craft brews on tap. Cheers!

 

 

Cellar Door On Board

 

In an Aussie first, there is a Hunter Valley winery cellar door, right on board. 

 

 

Book in for a tasting at this intimate little venue. 

 

 

There are some interesting alternative varietals coming out of the Hunter at Glandore, like this Savagnin, which is well worth a try. 

 

 

Bubbles, Too

 

Everyday is a celebration with the Moret Champagne Bar. One of the many different bars & lounges on board.  Name your poison, Pacific Eden is bound to have it, and a funky lounge to enjoy it in. 

 

 

It’s no plonk either, with Moet et Chandon on pour at the Champagne Bar.

 

 

How Many Restaurants Can You Conquer?

 

Pacific Eden boasts 15 different dining options. I didn’t have time to even look at them all! Here is a peek at the ones I visited.

 

Luke Mangan’s Salt Grill is a specialty restaurant on board. 

 

 

For your cover charge of $39 at lunch time or $49 at dinner, you can select from a Luke Mangan designed menu in swanky surrounds. 

 

 

The menu looks great, with plenty of vegetarian options.

 

 

Mains have less on offer for the vegetarian – in fact nothing – but there is much to please the omnivore. 

 

 

Angelo’s – the signature Italian restaurant – has a modest $10 cover charge. 

For that you check in at the Vespa-desk.

 

 

Angelo’s is extremely elegant, but also modern and funky. Dine while Sophia Loren looks over your table. 

 

 

The menu sounds delectable. 

 

 

In case you need inspiration – a brightly coloured shoe installation provides some serious shoe envy. 

 

 

Opposite Angelo’s is the Asian specialty restaurant, Dragon Lady, also with a $10 charge per person. 

 

 

Welcoming you to Dragon Lady is this little guy. 

 

 

The restaurant is beautiful, decked out in dark wood and moody blues.

 

 

The menu looks fantastic. That Salted 70% Dark Chocolate dessert has my name all over it. 

 

 

There’s even traditional Japanese sunken seating.

 

 

Goodbye – cruise ship buffet! And hello reduced chance of spreading novovirus. 

Introducing: The Pantry. A street food offering with 8 different international vendors. Each serving up meals of your choice which are handed to you over the counter. Cute. 

 

 

There’s a variety of bright and cheery seating zones. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floating Art Gallery

Like your art? You’ll love Pacific Eden. Art is hidden everywhere, and a lot of it is a lot of fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have I Whet Your Appetite?

Keen to take a trip on Pacific Eden or her twin sister, Pacific Aria?

Check out their schedule, then give my mother in law and owner of cruise travel agency Cruise Focus a call! She’ll take care of all the details for you, so you can just sit back and dream of embarkation day.

 

Pinnable Image:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments make my day – so tell me – What did you like the look of most? Have your say below!