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P&O Australia Cruises

194 Reviews
P&O Cruises Australia Pacific Explorer Pool Deck
  • P&O Australia Cruise Tips, Activities, and Overview

  • Who goes on P&O Australia cruise ships?

  • Do I have to dress up on a P&O Australia cruise?

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P&O Australia Cruises

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P&O Australia Cruise Tips, Activities, and Overview

Who goes on P&O Australia cruise ships?

Passengers come mostly from Australia and a few from New Zealand. It's a relatively younger crowd than found on some other lines, with an average age of about 45 years old.

The generally easy-going and fun-loving passengers tend to be more budget-focused with value for money more important than luxury.

Although the cruise line is popular across multiple generations, couples and families dominate. It has won accolades for its family-friendly atmosphere with children kept busy by kids' clubs staffed by qualified teachers and childcare workers.

Do I have to dress up on a P&O Australia cruise?

P&O ships do not have formal nights with black tie requirements. Instead, there's usually one or two party nights (check your itinerary), with themes such as the Great Gatsby or the Bianco party, which calls for white clothing.

Is everything free on P&O Australia cruises?

No. All meals at Waterfront Restaurant, The Pantry, Angelo's and Dragon Lady are included in fares. But all other dining options carry a charge. Drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are also not included, but dispensing machines for water, tea and coffee in The Pantry are free. In terms of activities, there are plenty of perks -- from the complimentary kids' clubs and comedy shows to cooking demonstrations and pool games. However, shore excursions and P&O Edge activities, such as zip-lining, are an additional expense.

What are P&O Australia’s most popular activities?

There is a wide range of onboard activities which include fitness classes, cooking demonstrations, mixology classes, live bands, dancing, game shows, table tennis, casinos, cabaret shows, karaoke, deck parties, spa treatments, trivia quizzes, in-cabin movies, shuffleboard, bingo, dance classes, themed nights and parties, talent shows, enrichment lectures and port talks.

P&O Edge is an adventure park that uses the ship as its equipment; for example, abseiling across the bow or climbing the funnel (charges apply).

Also popular are short theme cruises with a focus on food and wine or health and fitness, featuring speakers, presentations and special activities.

Why go with P&O Australia?

  • Largest permanent big-ship cruise line in Australia
  • Lively atmosphere, family-friendly with excellent kids clubs
  • Recent ship upgrades offer more choice, facilities and modern decor
  • Attracts a casual, predominantly Aussie crowd
  • First newly built year-round Australia-based ship coming in 2019

Best for: Fun-loving, value-seeking families, couples and solos who like to socialise

Not for: Anyone yearning for a quiet, kid-free getaway with strict dress codes and formal nights

P&O Cruises Australia Cruises Cruiser Reviews

Better than we expected

It was rough so they could not put as many people in as normal but they had 2 docks set up on the side of the ship but only loaded one boat at a time.There was a sail away party with some dancing on the pool deck and one on the last night, but we did not go to that ( and it was held in a small venue on board ) and the White and Gatsby themed evenings.Read More
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Deb1971

10+ Cruises

•

Age 50s

Never Again

P&O did not offer free room service or medication to help, which resulted in bags of vomit being left all over the entire ship, particularly in the Pantry (Buffet) and outside cabin doors in the hallway.My partner and I just got off the Pacific Explorer - Kimberley Adventure - 8th - 17th April 2023 with P&O Australia.Read More
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ThisisEmilyFae

2-5 Cruises

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Age 30s

Excellent cruise could not fault it

No wait time and food and service was good.P&O Australia is also the only cruise liner we know that limits the amount of children on board, so there is enough space in kids club.Read More
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AU76

10+ Cruises

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Age 60s

Extremely Disappointed !

We were unable to book any speciality dining as it was full so restricted to pantry We will never cruise this ship ever again the only upside is there’s only two days left before we can get off!Food bar area in pantry was so small very packed.Read More
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Dhammerm

6-10 Cruises

•

Age 50s

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