P&O invented cruising in the mid-1800s and it has been synonymous with the industry ever since, sailing its famous white ships across the seven seas. P&O's first cruise in this region took place from Australia at Christmas 1932 when Strathaird sailed for Norfolk Island with a full and expectant complement of passengers.
Did you realise that on any P&O Cruises holiday your fare includes accommodation, all main meals, entertainment and activities, not to mention a new horizon every day? The fact is, when you cruise with P & O, you're getting the best holiday value money can buy. Compare the inclusions on offer and try to imagine a land-based holiday that can match such incredible value!
Today, P&O continues the tradition providing Australian and New Zealanders with quality, value-for-money itineraries.
Onboard there is always something to do. From lavish cabaret performances to live bands, and sporting activities to crafts and bingo. You can do it all, or you can do nothing at all.
All shipboard activities and entertainment are under the supervision of experienced Cruise Staff, made up of the Cruise Director and Assistant, Social Directors, Sports and Entertainment Staff, Shore Tour Manager and Childcare Co-ordinators.
They will help you make new friends, arrange all shipboard functions and give information on the ports of call.
Ships
All P&O Cruises vacation packages are a feast for your senses. Be tempted by tantalising choices, fresh delicious flavours, unique creations. And with 'Your Choice Dining' you can choose who you dine with, when and where!
Our cruise packages include all main meals in your one low fare. Choose from lavish buffet selections or dine on four-course à la Carte menus in our formal dining rooms. If you're yearning for a succulent steak or some freshly shucked oysters, head for our seafood and steakhouse restaurant or the new Salt Grill by Luke Mangan celebrity restaurant.
Enjoy casual dining at a pizzeria or relax poolside with a quick snack. Saunter into The Café for some chocolate indulgence and a perfect latte or luxuriate in a sunset cocktail in one of our bars. And just like any great resort, room service is available 24 hours a day.
Breakfast and Lunch
Continental or hot English breakfast
Sumptuous buffet selections from 6am-10.30am and 11.30am-2.30pm
À la Carte in the main dining room from 7.30am-9.30am and 12pm-2pm
Evening Dining
À la Carte four-course evening meals in the main dining rooms from 5.30pm-10pm.
Casual evening dining from 5pm until late. Venues vary across our fleet and choices include lavish buffets at waterfront restaurants, quick snacks, bistro meals, pizza and pasta, burgers and more.
Specialty dining in the Seafood and Steakhouse (Pacific Dawn and Pacific Sun only) from 5.30pm-10pm
Peckish during the day?
Choose from delicious ways to indulge.
Hot snacks*
Ice Cream Bar*
24-hour room service*
Tea and coffee*
The Cafe^ snack menu, with it's chocolate indulgent dishes, and the tea & coffee menu.
* Charges apply. Dining times may vary throughout the cruise and on each ship.
^ Currently on Pacific Jewel only
The NEW Salt Grill by Luke Mangan
P&O Cruises welcomes the launch of a NEW specialty restaurant and celebrity chef exclusive to Pacific Jewel – Salt Grill by Luke Mangan. Come book a table and dine on this celebrity chef's mouthwatering creations. From signature dishes such as Luke's Salt Grill Crab Omelette to his famous Liqorice Parfait with Lime Syrup, you can enjoy a fantastic food experience for a fraction of the price you'd pay on land. Visit the gallery to get your taste buds dancing!
New Tipping Guidelines Effective 01 October 2010
We are pleased to announce that tipping is no longer required for all passengers travelling on any P&O Cruises Australia ship from 1 October 2010.
Childrens Activity Programmes
Your kids will tell you this is their best holiday ever. Why? Because our three on-board Children's Centres* have the coolest ways to entertain your little ones and teens. In fact, there's so much to do in one day that we publish a daily newsletter just to fill you in. Our experienced Youth Activity Team loves organising the most awesome activities. And they take fun seriously, which means our staff are qualified to look after your children, in a safe and secure environment.
Fun for all ages
TC and Skipper
Our two lovable characters, TC and Skipper, star in their very own Junior Cruises Show which is suitable for the whole family to enjoy. All shows are held in the Turtle Cove and Shark Shack Children's Centre.
Ocean Friends Club
In association with Sydney Aquarium, Ocean Friends Club features a fun, educational programme of interactive 'touch and feel' activities, art and craft and energetic games. Kids learn about the marine environment and its many inhabitants. At the end of the cruise, children who take part receive a free entry pass to Sydney Aquarium (conditions apply).
Travelling With Infants
Infant travelling with two adults paying the standard twin fare:
The infant will be charged at the applicable upper child fare when travelling with two adults paying the standard twin fare.
Infant travelling as the second passenger in a twin room:
An infant travelling in a twin cabin as passenger two will be charged the full adult rate.
* Group child-minding from 10:30pm to 1am is at a nominal charge of AU$5 per child per hour. Due to limited facilities on board, we cannot guarantee your child's participation in the Children's Centres. While we will make every effort to accommodate all children, entry into the Children's Centres is on a first come first serve basis. Children must be toilet trained. Children's Centres vary from ship to ship and hours may differ.
CHILD DINING
P&O Cruises will offer a separate children's dining session if the main dining room exceeds numbers due to children. Passengers will find out once they are onboard if this will be the case. It is suggested that passengers with children book the early dinner sitting of 6pm.
Pacific Princess children automatically sit with adults for dinner. The
Princess has never had a seperate dining session for children.
Parent's Responsibilities
For your child's comfort, enjoyment and security, DO NOT leave him/her in the child care centre for extended periods(especially when in port) as it often unsettles the children. It is suggested that three hours without spending some time with the parents is a maximum. If your child does become upset or distressed, Cruise Staff will contact you so you can pacify your child.
Special Food for Infants
A limited range of Heinz baby foods, both "junior" and "strained" plus various infant formulas are carried onboard and provided at no charge. Special requirements should be advised well in advance so the Cruise Line can ensure that they have stocks onboard. Baby food and baby bottle preparation is to be carried out by the parents in their own cabin area pantries.
NB: This information relates to the Pacific Sky, Pacific Sun and Pacific Star. Please see Princess Cruises for information relating to the Pacific Princess.
Have Fun & Learn
Our unique Kids' Club* programs have been developed with guidance from professional childhood academics, with a focus on the sorts of can't-wait-to-tell-my-friends-back-home type activities you wont find anywhere else. We also limit the number of children onboard each cruise to ensure everyone receives an even higher level of care and attention.
Here's just a sample of the activities on offer:
Turtle Cove (2-6 yrs)
* iPad activities
* DUPLO® zone
* Arts and crafts
* Movies and cartoons
* Talent shows
* Theme nights
* Mini Olympics
* Sleepyheads storytime
Shark Shack (7-10 yrs)
* iPad activities
* LEGO® zone
* Arts and crafts
* Movies and cartoons
* Scavenger hunts
* Jewellery making
* Dance lessons
* Karaoke
HQ & HQ+ (11-14 & 15-17yrs)
* Stop-Motion film making
* Teen jam music sessions
* Sports competitions
* Movies
* Theme nights
* Karaoke
* Talent shows
* Dance classes
Toddlers who are two years old and toilet trained can now join in all the fun at our Turtle Cove club, previously only open to kids aged 3 and up.
Kids can now move between the different clubs to play with their siblings or friends. Parents should be aware that activities in each club are tailored for the age groups listed but if their 6 year old wants to play with big sister in Shark Shack, now she can!
Entry to the kids’ clubs is free and the clubs are open each day until late, including port days. Late night babysitting is also available for a nominal fee.