P&O Australia Cruises

268 Reviews
P&O Cruises Australia Pacific Explorer Pool Deck
  • P&O Australia Cruises 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 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 Cruiser Reviews

Very disappointed

Cons- Ship is in very poor condition, paint peeling, tiles around the pool are broken, stains on the ceilings, carpets are worn, filthy and never vacuumed.Normally we pile on kilos on a cruise but the food being pretty poor helped us keep the kilos off.Read More
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Lesley.V

few6-10 Cruises

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Age 57s

Shabby ship and poor entertainment

We had expectations of better entertainment however it mostly comprised quizzes, karaoke and competitions run by 4 amateurish crew members, and required passenger participation (ie.Biggest disappointments were the food and entertainment.Read More
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SouthAustralianSue

couple2-5 Cruises

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Age 49s

Such a disappointment

Another shock was even though you have paid a good amount of money for the trip they they want more money for everything on board and then you have to pay if you want to go into the town from the port.The best thing on board was the music the bands were amazing and without them I probably would have had a better time on a dingy.Read More
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Unhappycruisecamper

oneFirst Time Cruiser

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Age 48s

Dated Ship

Entertainment via daily trivia quizzes and nighttime shows was good although one evening performance was cancelled without explanation.This ship is scheduled for lots of 3 and 4 day short cruises and appears to attract people who can only afford a cheaper holiday.Read More
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kim63

few6-10 Cruises

•

Age 61s

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