P&O Pacific Aria
- 1260 Guests
- 9 Guest Decks
- 219 Metres in Length
- 55820 Gross Tonnage
I had to privilege to be on board one of the newest ships to the P&O fleet, ‘Pacific Aria’ on a 2-night cruise bound for Brisbane with fellow colleagues of mine.
Friday morning saw us all meet at Wharf 6, Circular Quay for the start of what would be a hilarious weekend sailing from Sydney to Brisbane.
A very smooth transition it was, as we boarded a Captain Cook Ferry service from Circular Quay to White Bay, with a touch of a scenic harbour cruise, then a short walk to the cruise terminal and a very smooth check in. Within a little over an hour, we were on board ‘Pacific Aria’. First impressions were very modern and stylish.
We made our way to the Pantry for lunch, then met our rep Zac from P&O for a ship inspection. We inspected all the dining restaurants, the theatre, the reception area, the pool area, the bars and lounges, the Elemis Day Spa and the adults only retreat “Oasis”, finishing just in time for the ship’s mandatory procedure, the emergency drill ‘Muster’.
Sailing out of Sydney Harbour was spectacular. Out on top Deck with cocktails cruising under the harbour bridge, then with the Opera House, Fort Dennison. What a beautiful harbour we have looking back on amazing views of Sydney.
A hosted dinner with Zac, at Angelo’s for a delicious Italian meal and wine. We danced the night away at The Bianco Party – P&O’s very own White Party. It was fantastic, the atmosphere was amazing. A very late night, lots of fun, lots of laughs and lots of dancing. The perfect party to start your cruise.
Breakfast in the Waterfront restaurant was a nice start to the day and got us ready for our training at sea, an informative sales talk from Zac on the happenings, what’s hot and what’s new at P&O, lead us to lunch time. It was now our free time to explore the ship.
We went to bingo, walked the entire ship, had lunch, had a drink in every bar we went passed, and went to a Martini Masterclass with real live martini tasting. Dinner tonight was at Dragon Lady – P&O’s signature Asian restaurant. This was FANTASTIC, one of the best Asian meals I’ve ever had. We ordered the entire menu to share. Incredibly delicious dishes, finished off with wasabi Crème Brule and berry sorbet.
Sitting in front row seats at the Marque to watch P&O’s show at sea, it was entertaining with singing and dancing. Then we were off to the Dome to watch Karaoke and a little more dancing till the early hours of the morning.
We awoke to being docked at Portside Wharf in Brisbane and after a great breakfast it was our time to say farewell to the Aria. We were then transferred to Brisbane Airport for Virgin Airlines flight back to Sydney.
Pacific Aria, you certainly were turning heads, with incredible dining experiences, entertainment and lots of space to relax.
Stylish, modern, contemporary cruising!
Above: At our White Night Party.
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