With Reuben Goossens

Cruise’n’Travel Journalist / Cruise Reviewer

& Maritime Historian

Please Note: Cruise-Australia is a non-commercial and privately owned cruise site and it is NOT associated with any cruise company or travel agency! Although the author has been in the passenger shipping industry since 1960 and is currently semi-retired, but continues to write cruise and ship reviews and articles in order to better to inform cruise and ship enthusiasts and provide information for those intending a cruise in the future. Please read my statement at the bottom of the page!

MV Pacific Pearl

The Most Popular Ship in the P&O Fleet!

Photographer unknown, *Please see Photo notes at bottom of page!

Introduction – This superb Ships Background:

Not since the days of the old Funship TSS Fairstar and the popular TSS Fair Princess, which were the days when P&O Cruises continued the tradition to name their new arrivals to their Australian fleet with names that were related to heavenly bodies in one way or other, such as the; Pacific Sky, Pacific Sun, Pacific Star and finally the Pacific Dawn. However with the arrival of their last two new additions to their fleet the first being in December 2009 and the second late in 2010, P&O Cruises decided to change direction and use names that reflected the Jewels that await us all, as we go cruising in our own magical tropical regions where there are so many perfect holiday Gem’s to be found! Be it in and around the Great Barrier Reef, or the wonderful and exotic South Pacific and around exciting New Zealand! Therefore the new names now to be found on P&O’s superb latest fleet-mates, being the sister to the Pacific Dawn, is the Pacific Jewel And the Pacific Pearl, for there is an ocean of Jewels and for us all to find out there! Now lets us briefly consider the background to the wonderful Pacific Pearl, for she is more than an amazing ship!

This ship was originally built by Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France and was floated out on May, 28, 1988 named Sitmar FairMajesty as she had been originally ordered for Sitmar Cruises.

An artist’s impression of the MV Sitmar FairMajesty, what she would have looked like in the new Sitmar Cruises livery

From the author’s private collection

However, during her still being fitted out. Sitmar was taken over by P&O a little later in 1988, therefore, she and the popular TSS Fairstar in Australia was taken over by P&O. The new Sitmar ship was subsequently renamed Star Princess and completed suitable to the Princess stable, and was named Star Princess and entered the P&O Princess Cruises fleet of ships.

However, in 1997, she was transferred to P&O Cruises UK and after a comprehensive refit turning this now rather American style ship into a very elegant British style ships, reminiscing the days of the old liners, featuring fine timbers and elegant fittings, such as chandeliers and statues, etc, the new Arcadia became a sublimely beautiful ship! The author of Cruise-Australia was fortunate to be part of her Maiden Word Voyage in 1998 and disembarked in Sydney and thoroughly enjoyed my time on this beautiful ship, and will always remember her for her spaciousness and sheer interior beauty! She came back to Australia one more, but in 2003 she would head for a new adventure.

MV Arcadia seen at Darling Harbour Sydney in 1998 the day of disembarkation!

Photograph by & © Reuben Goossens

In 2003 she was transferred to another of the Carnival companies and she became the very popular Ocean Village and she sailed the globe! But in 2010 Carnival decided to transfer her to P&O Cruises Australia and give her a comprehensive refit and became the superb Pacific Pearl.

Currently she sails with two other P&O ships, the 70,000-ton sisters Pacific Pawn and Pacific Jewel. The Pacific Dawn is based in Brisbane; the Pacific Jewel is based in Sydney, whilst the Pacific Pearl also cruises from Sydney as well as three months out of Auckland New Zealand.

The wonderful MV Pacific Pearl seen departing Sydney a little late

Photographer unknown, *Please see Photo notes at bottom of page!

What can you expect on Board Pacific Pearl?

The 63,786 ton Pacific Pearl accommodates 1,546 passengers utilising all twin/double beds, or a maximum of 1,800 if all (upper) berth is used, which would be very unusual! Before the Pacific Pearl commenced cruising in our waters P&O Cruises Australia added a brand new feature on her as she was the very first ship in the fleet to receive a 7m x 4m state-of-the-art LED “Big Screen” that is located just in front of her funnel. This screen provides a whole new level of entertainment both during the day and at night! It showcases everything from latest release movies, sports events, and scenic destination images as well as P&O Cruises’ very own daily TV shows, being another new innovation for Australian and New Zealand cruise lovers!

Pacific Pearl has eleven passenger decks that provide a superb level of passenger space, thus she offers what may be called an eye-opening range of activities and entertainment that tends to go around the clock. From morning until the night, there's action galore and something to suite all tastes!

Her top deck features that giant LED Big Screen as well as an outdoor circus arena where jaw-dropping acrobatics are performed. Far forward on Deck 14 you will discover 270 degree views in one of the most wonderful lounges afloat, which also offers entertainment galore at night in “The Dome”.

The Pacific Pearl has a wonderful range of bars including MIX Cocktail Bar at the Atrium and the wonderful Pub-style venue “The Orient” as well as the vibrant Connexions Bar. Then there is the multi level Marquee Theatre for regular spectacular production shows and guest artists.

On Pacific Pearl every meal is sheer delight, whether you are sampling á la carte selections in the Waterfront Restaurant, or enjoying the magnificent buffet or a juicy burger at The Grill. Alternatively, for just a little extra, why not splash out at the celebrity Chef Restaurant the *“Salt Grill” by Luke Mangan and try the delicate crab omelette or liquorice parfait with lime syrup. You can believe me that the “Salt Grill is usually booked out very early in the cruise, thus you MUST book as early as possible!!

Then there is the delightful *Charlie’s Café down in the Atrium, the perfect place to have that perfect cup of Barista coffee, chocolates and cakes. Forward of the pools on Deck 12 is the *Café for Coffee and ice Cream’s and other goodies. For those who love a good read there is a library, or those who like to keep in touch with home, why not send an email in the *NetCafe, and for those who like shopping there are ample shopping opportunities on Pacific Pearl, with Boutiques, Duty Free shops, souvenirs as well as a general shop for those daily needs .

There are two outdoor swimming pools, with one having a swim up bar, in addition there are two Jacuzzis. For the adults who wish to get away from the children there is the wonderful child free zone called “The Oasis” that no longer has an additional charge! There is also the *Gym and a Day *Spa.

For all the younger generations (3 year old to 17 year old) the Pacific Pearl offers four age specific children’s centres, such as the Turtle Cove (3-6), Shark Shack (7-10), and HQ & HQ* the largest teen lounge in the fleet that has been specially designed for 11 to 17 year olds.

*Please Note: Those items above marked with an * above means that there is an additional charge

Pacific Pearl Photo Gallery

With this gallery I will start with Deck 5 and slowly work our way up to Deck 14 and I am sure that you will enjoy your tour of the wonderful Pacific Pearl. Besides the Carnival/P&O images, I have also used photographs provided by Mr. Scott McMillan who has provided me with his cruise review on this fine ship, as well some images by myself (above and below). I am sure that you will enjoy the range of photographs presented, as it will provide an excellent insight of this excellent ship! The link to Scott McMillan’s review is at the bottom of this page.

Deck 5 – The Reception and Tours Desks are located on the starboard side of the Atrium

Photograph by & © Copyright 2012 - Scott McMillan

Deck 5 – The Atrium – looking forward to forward to port, the centre has a delightful lounge area

Photograph by & © Copyright 2012 - Scott McMillan

Deck 5 – Charlies Bar and the upper levels of the Atrium – portside

Photograph by & © Copyright 2012 - Scott McMillan

Deck 5 – The ever popular Charlies Bar and Barista Coffee Lounge –located on the portside

Photograph by & © Copyright 2012 - Scott McMillan

Deck 6 – on the Portside (left) is the Shopping Gallery, whilst Starboard (right) is the superb “Mix” Bar and Lounge – Looking forward

Photograph by & © Copyright 2012 - Scott McMillan

One of the best venues on any ship, the “Mix” or Blue Room and Bar

Photograph provided by & © Carnival Australia/P&O Cruises

Deck 6 – The Shops located portside

Photograph by & © Copyright 2012 - Scott McMillan

Here we see the lifts on board, in all there are three banks of lifts on board, thus nine lifts in all!

Photograph by & © Copyright 2012 - Scott McMillan

Deck 7 – The magnificent two level Marquee Theatre and Showroom is located far forward on decks 7 and 8

Photograph provided by & © Carnival Australia/P&O Cruises

Deck 7 – This is the portside hallway that goes from forward to aft and is the best way to head for the restaurant,

as the other side is usually blocked with drinkers at the Connexions Bar that stretches into the other hallway

Photograph by & © Copyright 2012 - Scott McMillan

Deck 7 – This is the very popular and delightful Connexions Bar – this photo is looking aft

Photograph by & © Copyright 2012 - Scott McMillan

Another view of the Connexions Bar

Photograph by & © Copyright 2012 - Scott McMillan

Deck 7 – Entrance to “The Orient” Pub that is beautifully timber clad, but also has a great deal of sports memorabilia!

One of the most delightful lounges and bars on board!

Photograph by & © Copyright 2012 - Scott McMillan

This is the heart of “The Orient” Pub

Photograph provided by & © Carnival Australia/P&O Cruises

 A corner of “The Orient” Bar

Photograph by & © Copyright – Reuben Goossens

Deck 7 – Aft is the beautiful Waterfront Restaurant where superb food and great service always comes with a great big smile

Photograph provided by & © Carnival Australia/P&O Cruises

Deck 7 – The spacious Promenade deck – Starboard side

 Photograph by & © Copyright 2012 - Scott McMillan

Deck 8 – far aft is the delightful adult only “Oasis”

Photograph provided by & © Carnival Australia/P&O Cruises

Deck 12 – Looking from the Buffet aft deck area down to the Turtle Cove and Shark Shack on Deck 11, which as a wading pool a safe and spacious supervised deck

Photograph by & © Copyright 2012 - Scott McMillan

Deck 12 - The Plantation Restaurant Buffet

Photograph provided by & © Carnival Australia/P&O Cruises

Deck 12 – Aft of the Plantation Restaurant Buffet is the Al Fresco dinning area – this was taken after meal times

 Photograph by & © Copyright 2012 - Scott McMillan

Deck12 – Here we see the forward pool, with the waterfall and the swim up bar in the upper level

Photograph provided by & © Carnival Australia/P&O Cruises

Deck 12 - The Plash Bar, located in the forward pool – Now that is the way to cruise!

Photograph provided by & © Carnival Australia/P&O Cruises

The Salt grill

Deck 12 – Forward on the portside you will find the most acclaimed Luke Mangan “Salt Grill”

Photograph provided by & © Carnival Australia/P&O Cruises

A meal at the “Salt Grill” is more than just an experience – But book early, for it books out early in the cruise!

There is an optional charge, but believe me it is worth the small extra!

Photograph provided by & © Carnival Australia/P&O Cruises

The great and awarded Chef Luke Mangan at work on board Pacific Pear, when he was on the ship

Here we see just one of many superb dishes on offer

Deck 14 – “The Dome” Lounge is a wonderful lounge and it has superb 270 degree views of the Ocean and when in the various ports of call

Photograph by & © Copyright 2012 - Scott McMillan

Deck 15 - Looking down to decks 14 & 12, the aft Pool, the huge Circus Trapeze Arena and the LED Screen

Photograph by & © Copyright 2012 - Scott McMillan

Deck 14 – The Jogging Track, with the pool below on Deck 12

Photograph by & © Copyright 2012 - Scott McMillan

Located far aft on deck 14 is the Teen Centre “HQ” and “HQ+” for 11 to 17 year olds

Photograph provided by & © Carnival Australia/P&O Cruises

The best room on board a delightful Mini Suite with a lounge and private balcony

Photograph provided by & © Carnival Australia/P&O Cruises

Here is another Mini Suite, this time looking inward, and it is obvious that these are delightful accommodations

Photograph provided by & © Carnival Australia/P&O Cruises

This is a typical Twin bedded cabin with a window. These can also be made up as a double room

Photograph provided by & © Carnival Australia/P&O Cruises