I sailed on the Adventure April/May this year. I much prefer the Explorer with fewer passengers and better layout. I have cruised on the Sun Princess many times till her sale in 2020 so I knew what I was getting on the Explorer. There was just something about the Adventure that made me feel it was bigger just to fit more paying passengers and nothing else (eg the very small & bland atrium for number of passengers, light years below better examples like the Voyager of the Seas). The minimum dress standard in the dining rooms is now apparently footy jumper, board shorts and thongs (male & female). If Princess ever get their act together and re-enter the Aus cruise market other than the token effort they make now, I will gladly go back with Princess. P&O is getting very crappy with their quality and value for money and is really now the "Jetstar of the Seas".
I have been on Pacific Explorer twice 2019 and 2023 she is my first ever cruise ship I have been on she got me hooked on cruising, I have also been on Pacific Adventure twice also this year March and June and I would not hesitate
Our first cruise in Feb 2017 was on the Dawn, so she holds a special place in our hearts. 19 cruises since then on various Princess ships. Best feature of Dawn/Explorer....the Promenade Deck, simply the best!!
They could match it if they wanted to Adrian but I reckon the "close to the waterline" deck space is too valuable - eg Island Princess deck 7 aft conversion. Yuck
Thanks for this video!! So glad you did this topic, as I am going on the Explorer earlt next year but wanted to know how it stacks up next to the other P&O ships. Love your channel generally - you're my go to guy for cruise info. Especially love that you peovide an Australian perspective. Thanks again!
Thank you so much - appreciate your support! I hope you enjoy your cruise on Explorer - she's really a beauty and her smaller size can be a bit of a positive as well.
I think like many, the Dawn and Jewel were my favourites. They looked beautiful and they weren't too large (very kid friendly). There was never trouble finding things to do on a 4 night cruise and it was truly sad that they sold both and scrapped Jewel. As for the current fleet, I'm torn between all 3. I've heard Adventure is being docked soon which could be good, Encounter has recently been docked & Explorer is a good way for people like myself to see the "older" P&O style. It would be nice if they could get more ships though as our capacity (especially in winter) isn't great and I think a Coral-class ship could slide in quite nicely. Brilliant guide and I'll probably come back to this video if I need to decide what ship I want to go on. Cheers.
@@TheCruiseandTravelGuy Yes, I agree. Not sure if a waterslide would work on them though. I'm sure if it worked on Dawn (smaller) then they'll make it work.
I will admit... My first sailing with Explorer was not that great back in 2017. But after the shutdown and with Explorer the only game in town, I really came to appreciate her after the second or third sailing last year after the restart. Any cruise is better than a shut down.
We were on Adventure mid Oct in one of the accessible balcony cabins. That alone makes it a good ship. Despite issues with the P&O Australia product overall (obvious cost cutting and lack of sea day day time entertainment on our cruise), we had a good time, though I feel Charlie's Bar/Avalon Cafe could be better situated closer to more window areas. In saying that it was a good place to set up 'camp' for a few hours. Not sure if we'll sail P&O again, but it'll because of other aspects of the product, as the ship wasn't bad at all.
One thing love the Explorer pantry better as its bigger ! But other then that ❤️ the Encounter as we are closer to bizzy so haven ot done Adventure! Only thing different about adv and Encounter is Adv don't have kids club at the back which means the kids at kids club don't have an outdoor area.
I prefer the Explorer Pantry as well, feels a lot more spacious and better laid out with that loop around section where the Sugar Bar is. Adventure also has a few window suits on Deck 6, which throws off the layout compared to Encounter. Otherwise they're almost the same.
It's the "nope" after every blooper for me 😅 Im very keen for the breakfast at Angelo's with the Byron Club! I can't find the menu anywhere online so I wonder if it's going to be the same as the waterfront or something different
🤣 nope! The BB Club breakfast menu should be slightly different - you can order whatever you want from the regular menu but in addition they'll have a few more elevated options like eggs benedict with smoked salmon as an example.
I've never sailed on Adventure or Encounter but I wonder why Luke's Bar & Grill are on different decks as the ships are of the same class, as I understand. I wonder why they didn't fit them out in the same layout.
The two ships have a different layout - Adventure has 6 or 7 window suites on Deck 6 and Encounter doesn't. Because of that, the internal facilities are not identical in that area. If you look at the deck plans for both and compare them, you'll see the differences. Adventure also has extra suites and cabins on Deck 15, which Encounter doesn't have.
I do love the Explorer as well, something more intimate about it, but I find Adventure/Encounter have a similar feel... across a bigger scale (for me, anyway)
I've never been on a P&O ship. When looking into cruise lines years ago, they rated the worst of all the cruise lines at the time. They don't look that bad. The grass looks a bit dated. What demographic of people go on P&O?
They're still a little mixed in terms of ratings unfortunately, but the Grand Class ships have done a lot of good for the brand (despite some issues). They attract lots of families and people of all ages depending on the itinerary duration.
We have sailed on Explorer twice, and Adventure more recently. The Adventure was a disappointment, in the 10 day cruise the main menu in the waterfront and Angelo,s didn’t change for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the whole cruise. WHAT? Not to say the food was,nt good, but goodness me, no change in 10 days. Come on P&O. The explorer was much better, in size, layout, and entertainment. As was the restaurants.
Hated the Adventure. Just sailed on it in April. Overcrowded, claustrophobic pool areas, screaming unruly kids, nothing for Adults. Oasis adults only area too small and no entertainment. Bar closed at 9pm! Food terrible, drinks watered down, cocktails in small plastic glasses. Waste of time, money and my annual leave.
🥲 that doesn’t sound good. Sorry to hear it missed the mark. Keep exploring and you might find a better suited cruise line. Check out my reviews of Celebrity Edge, Sun Princess or Majestic Princess for some other options.
And on all of them is the shitty pantry buffet . Probably the worst buffet on the ocean . Resembles more like prison food than what you would expect from a Cruise ship . I was on those ships when they were princess ships many years ago and they had awesome buffets . Who ever operates the buffet should be fired and bring it back to what princess used to do .
I really love the concept of The Pantry, but some of the options are better than others. I had amazing fish and chips on one day (back in 2022) and then during the same cruise, had some of the worst I had ever eaten... it was a bit inconsistent...
Hi Adrian we are melbournians the forgotten race that's according to p&o We hardly get enough Cruises pacific explorer only here for less than 2 months a year don't understand why we don't get more Cruises from p&o Why they don't give us varieties such barrier reef cruise from Melbourne during june/July and august syd and Brisbane get Cruises all year round Am going on the adventure 25 august 9 notes barrier reef cruise On top on cruise fare am spending 1300$ more for flight and hotel not fair p&o. Learn to share lol
Jewel was a lovely ship! Her sister, Pacific Dawn, will be back in Australia this year during her world cruise. She now sails as Ambience (I think…) with Ambassador Cruise Line.
I sailed on the Adventure April/May this year. I much prefer the Explorer with fewer passengers and better layout. I have cruised on the Sun Princess many times till her sale in 2020 so I knew what I was getting on the Explorer. There was just something about the Adventure that made me feel it was bigger just to fit more paying passengers and nothing else (eg the very small & bland atrium for number of passengers, light years below better examples like the Voyager of the Seas). The minimum dress standard in the dining rooms is now apparently footy jumper, board shorts and thongs (male & female). If Princess ever get their act together and re-enter the Aus cruise market other than the token effort they make now, I will gladly go back with Princess. P&O is getting very crappy with their quality and value for money and is really now the "Jetstar of the Seas".
We love the Pacific Adventure...cos we loved the Golden Princess..but all 3 are a great size...
I love Encounter - NZ borders opened, flew to Brisvegas and jumped on a PNG cruise!
how awesome is that!
Yes we were on Explorer in April ex Fremantle. Sail away party was memorable.
I have been on Pacific Explorer twice 2019 and 2023 she is my first ever cruise ship I have been on she got me hooked on cruising, I have also been on Pacific Adventure twice also this year March and June and I would not hesitate
Thanks for sharing your experience, Wendy.
Our first cruise in Feb 2017 was on the Dawn, so she holds a special place in our hearts. 19 cruises since then on various Princess ships. Best feature of Dawn/Explorer....the Promenade Deck, simply the best!!
Very hard to beat that wrap around promenade! It's one thing that new builds just can't match.
They could match it if they wanted to Adrian but I reckon the "close to the waterline" deck space is too valuable - eg Island Princess deck 7 aft conversion. Yuck
Thanks for this video!! So glad you did this topic, as I am going on the Explorer earlt next year but wanted to know how it stacks up next to the other P&O ships.
Love your channel generally - you're my go to guy for cruise info. Especially love that you peovide an Australian perspective.
Thanks again!
Thank you so much - appreciate your support! I hope you enjoy your cruise on Explorer - she's really a beauty and her smaller size can be a bit of a positive as well.
I think like many, the Dawn and Jewel were my favourites. They looked beautiful and they weren't too large (very kid friendly). There was never trouble finding things to do on a 4 night cruise and it was truly sad that they sold both and scrapped Jewel. As for the current fleet, I'm torn between all 3. I've heard Adventure is being docked soon which could be good, Encounter has recently been docked & Explorer is a good way for people like myself to see the "older" P&O style. It would be nice if they could get more ships though as our capacity (especially in winter) isn't great and I think a Coral-class ship could slide in quite nicely. Brilliant guide and I'll probably come back to this video if I need to decide what ship I want to go on. Cheers.
Hmm, a Coral Class ship might make a nice addition to the P&O fleet one day.
@@TheCruiseandTravelGuy Yes, I agree. Not sure if a waterslide would work on them though. I'm sure if it worked on Dawn (smaller) then they'll make it work.
I will admit... My first sailing with Explorer was not that great back in 2017. But after the shutdown and with Explorer the only game in town, I really came to appreciate her after the second or third sailing last year after the restart. Any cruise is better than a shut down.
Totally agree and I really have a soft spot for Explorer.
Hello Adrian, sailing on Pacific Adventure tomorrow. We enjoyed it so much in March of this year, had to go again!
Hope you guys enjoy!
Encounter all the way for me. Aft adults only area with walk in pool, great bar and easy to grab lunch or snack from the pantry.
That Oasis area is almost perfection.
Are there any differences between the encounter snd the adventure?
Things have changed since the days of the Fairstar, Sea Princess and Oriana
We were on Adventure mid Oct in one of the accessible balcony cabins. That alone makes it a good ship. Despite issues with the P&O Australia product overall (obvious cost cutting and lack of sea day day time entertainment on our cruise), we had a good time, though I feel Charlie's Bar/Avalon Cafe could be better situated closer to more window areas. In saying that it was a good place to set up 'camp' for a few hours. Not sure if we'll sail P&O again, but it'll because of other aspects of the product, as the ship wasn't bad at all.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
One thing love the Explorer pantry better as its bigger ! But other then that ❤️ the Encounter as we are closer to bizzy so haven ot done Adventure! Only thing different about adv and Encounter is Adv don't have kids club at the back which means the kids at kids club don't have an outdoor area.
I prefer the Explorer Pantry as well, feels a lot more spacious and better laid out with that loop around section where the Sugar Bar is.
Adventure also has a few window suits on Deck 6, which throws off the layout compared to Encounter. Otherwise they're almost the same.
Interesting video, thank you.
Thanks Julie.
It's the "nope" after every blooper for me 😅
Im very keen for the breakfast at Angelo's with the Byron Club! I can't find the menu anywhere online so I wonder if it's going to be the same as the waterfront or something different
🤣 nope!
The BB Club breakfast menu should be slightly different - you can order whatever you want from the regular menu but in addition they'll have a few more elevated options like eggs benedict with smoked salmon as an example.
I've never sailed on Adventure or Encounter but I wonder why Luke's Bar & Grill are on different decks as the ships are of the same class, as I understand. I wonder why they didn't fit them out in the same layout.
The two ships have a different layout - Adventure has 6 or 7 window suites on Deck 6 and Encounter doesn't. Because of that, the internal facilities are not identical in that area. If you look at the deck plans for both and compare them, you'll see the differences. Adventure also has extra suites and cabins on Deck 15, which Encounter doesn't have.
❤ The Explorer...
She's a beaut.
Love the Explorer ❤
Pacific Explorer. The Pantry is much better. I just felt more comfortable on Explorer. Don't know why.
I do love the Explorer as well, something more intimate about it, but I find Adventure/Encounter have a similar feel... across a bigger scale (for me, anyway)
I always rorget about pno australia to uk
haha yes, we have our very own down here
Sailed on Pacific Adventure twice and Pacific Explorer once. Much prefer Pacific Explorer. Less crowded, and more things for adults to do.
I have a very special regard for Explorer - maybe because she was the first ship back in 2022!
First
I miss the jewel that was the best and easy ship to get around
She was special! Jewel's sister, Pacific Dawn will reappear in Sydney soon during her world cruise, this time as Ambassador's Ambience.
I've never been on a P&O ship. When looking into cruise lines years ago, they rated the worst of all the cruise lines at the time. They don't look that bad. The grass looks a bit dated. What demographic of people go on P&O?
They're still a little mixed in terms of ratings unfortunately, but the Grand Class ships have done a lot of good for the brand (despite some issues). They attract lots of families and people of all ages depending on the itinerary duration.
We have sailed on Explorer twice, and Adventure more recently. The Adventure was a disappointment, in the 10 day cruise the main menu in the waterfront and Angelo,s didn’t change for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the whole cruise. WHAT? Not to say the food was,nt good, but goodness me, no change in 10 days. Come on P&O. The explorer was much better, in size, layout, and entertainment. As was the restaurants.
Hmm no change in 10 days would defintely become monotnous!
Sailed on Pacific Adventure twice and sailed on Pacific Explorer twice and sailing on her again in 2025
Nice!
Hated the Adventure. Just sailed on it in April. Overcrowded, claustrophobic pool areas, screaming unruly kids, nothing for Adults. Oasis adults only area too small and no entertainment. Bar closed at 9pm! Food terrible, drinks watered down, cocktails in small plastic glasses. Waste of time, money and my annual leave.
🥲 that doesn’t sound good. Sorry to hear it missed the mark. Keep exploring and you might find a better suited cruise line. Check out my reviews of Celebrity Edge, Sun Princess or Majestic Princess for some other options.
And on all of them is the shitty pantry buffet . Probably the worst buffet on the ocean . Resembles more like prison food than what you would expect from a Cruise ship . I was on those ships when they were princess ships many years ago and they had awesome buffets . Who ever operates the buffet should be fired and bring it back to what princess used to do .
I really love the concept of The Pantry, but some of the options are better than others. I had amazing fish and chips on one day (back in 2022) and then during the same cruise, had some of the worst I had ever eaten... it was a bit inconsistent...
Hi Adrian we are melbournians the forgotten race that's according to p&o
We hardly get enough Cruises pacific explorer only here for less than 2 months a year don't understand why we don't get more Cruises from p&o
Why they don't give us varieties such barrier reef cruise from Melbourne during june/July and august syd and Brisbane get Cruises all year round
Am going on the adventure 25 august 9 notes barrier reef cruise
On top on cruise fare am spending 1300$ more for flight and hotel not fair p&o. Learn to share lol
I guess you didnt hear about vic government jacking up the port prices, thats why you are having less cruise ships. stupid greedy govt.
Sadly not in the fleet anymore but I sailed on the Pacific Jewel a few years back that was absolutely fantastic wish they kept it running. 😭🛳️
Jewel was a lovely ship! Her sister, Pacific Dawn, will be back in Australia this year during her world cruise. She now sails as Ambience (I think…) with Ambassador Cruise Line.