2017

Last refurbished

1998

Passengers

Ports visited

$145

From Price per day

77,441

Gross Tonnage

Pacific Explorer Cruises

Name: Pacific Explorer
Brand: P&O Cruises Australia
Rating: 3.9 (823 reviews)

3.9

(from 823 verified customers)

Pacific Explorer's fresh, modern look has been thoughtfully designed to bring exciting new venues, high-class entertainment and sought after attractions. Measuring at 77,441 GT, Pacific Explorer carries 1,998 passengers with plenty of quad share cabin options for families. Bringing the best of Australian way of life to the seas is what P&O pride themselves on. Whether the kids are chasing the sun filled days at the water park or the adults want their own sanctuary to enjoy some cocktails, there is something for everyone on the Pacific Explorer. Zoom down the Disco Diver or Super Slider water slides as often as you like, make a splash in the interactive water parks or choose your thrill with the P&O Edge Adventure park. Be spoilt for choice with twelve different dining options included in your fare, with P&O bringing the popular ‘The Pantry’ restaurant aboard. Enjoy the innovative and fun of bars as well as the variety of incredible stage shows at night. Celebrate a special occasion with something extra special in one of the specialty dining restaurants; Celebrity chef Luke Mangan has two restaurants onboard or there’s the award-winning pizza in 400 Gradi just to name a couple.

Pacific Explorer calls Australia and New Zealand home all year round, delivering a range of cruises. Stepping on board Pacific Explorer, you will feel a warm sense of being in a home away from home. P&O capture Australian comfort and friendliness marvelously, the attentive crew immediately make you feel welcome and relaxed. She is perfect for first time cruisers and long time passionate cruisers. Pacific Explorer is well equipped for kids, offering fantastic kids programs accommodating children from 2 years of age. Every P&O sailing caps the amount of passengers under 18, for everyone’s safety and enjoyment. If you are a family travelling in the school holidays, make sure you book early so you don’t miss out. The adults are catered for as well, with two adult only retreats to utilise. The Oasis and the Sanctuary offer relaxing private spaces to enjoy a refreshing plunge and attentive waitstaff to serve any drinks you desire.

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Ship Specification

Maiden voyage:	1998
Number of decks:	10
Tonnage:	77441
Cabins:	999
Passengers:	1998
Number of crew:	924

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Final Cabins for 2024

Hurry! Don't miss out on your last chance to set sail in 2024
• Cruise only - including all main meals, entertainment and more*
Ask your Clean Cruising Consultant for more details

Terms & Conditions apply.
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P&O Cruises Aussie Classics

Australia's homegrown cruise line celebrates with the Aussie classics!
• Pacific Adventure departing Sydney with Aussie Classics sailings
• Pacific Encounter departing Brisbane with Classic Aussie Rock sailings
• Pacific Explorer departing Melbourne with Classic Aussie Beach Party sailings
• On sale now - valid on either Go, Value or Value Plus fares
• Cruise only - including all main meals, entertainment and more*
Themed cruises are subject to change at the discretion of the cruise line*

Terms & Conditions apply.
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P&O Cruises Short Break Comedy Cruises

• On sale now - short break comedy cruises
• Enjoy headline shows every night from Australia and New Zealand's favourite comedians
• Plus comedy workshops, interactive performances and family fun laughs
• Valid on either Go, Value or Value Plus fares
• Cruise only - including all main meals, entertainment and more*
• Departures available from Adelaide, Auckland, Brisbane, Fremantle, Melbourne and Sydney
Themed cruises are subject to change at the discretion of the cruise line*

Terms & Conditions apply.
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Holiday Cruises

Don't miss out on your Summer Holiday at Sea….
• No cooking, no cleaning, no worries at all!
• Be healthy or indulge – or do both!
• Day spas, sports bars, dodgem cars – there’s something for everyone
• Choose from 3 nights and longer, depending on how big a break you need

Cruise ships are famous for taking the holiday season to the next level. Book your Summer cruise today and see for yourself why this is the best way to holiday!

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P&O Cruises 80's, 90's & 00's and Disco Glam!

• On sale now - Fabulous themed cruise options to celebrate a special occasion or just because! Check the list of sailings below to choose your decade
• Travel back in time to the era of hair gel and mousse and grab your Neon it's time to head to the 80's
• Or just announced NEW! themed short breaks will include 90’s/00’s and a Disco Glam departure - celebrating all things macarena, girl bands and boy bands and all things of this era!
• Valid on either Go, Value or Value Plus fares
• Cruise only - including all main meals, entertainment and more*
Themed cruises are subject to change at the discretion of the cruise line*

Terms & Conditions apply.
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Value Fare

The Value Fare offers great flexibility at a reasonable price

• Flexible Payment Policy: Secure your booking with a reduced deposit, and full payment due 75 days prior to departure
• Flexible refund policy : Cancel up to 6 months prior to the cruise departure and receive a refund from P&O
• Free name change
• Choose your cabin number
• Combinable with other offers & Future Cruise Credits

Terms & Conditions apply.
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Value Plus Fare

The Value Plus Fare offers inclusions, value-adds and flexibility.
• Includes Beverage Package for the first two guests in room for sailings (Less than 7 nights soft drink package only)*
• Includes Premium Wi-Fi Package for the first two guests in room (effective for new bookings from 15 Nov 2023)
PLUS
• Free name change and Choose your cabin number.
• Flexible Payment & Refund Policy: Full payment due 75 days prior to cruise departure, or cancel up to 6 months prior to departure for a refund.
• Combinable with other offers & Future Cruise Credits.

Terms & Conditions apply.
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Pacific Explorer Next 5 Departures

Showing Next 5 Departures - View All

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Dining
The biggest challenge when cruising is choosing where to eat. Pacific Explorer leaves you spoilt for choice with complimentary and paid dining options available. Up on the Lido Deck you will find ‘The Pantry’ serving up contemporary Australian favourites and international cuisines in 9 individual outlets. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the crew will serve your plate for you at each outlet.
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The main dining room is the Waterfront Restaurant located on decks 5 and 6, offering a traditional sit down service with a rotating menu of both classic and cutting edge cuisine, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For a hearty Italian meal make sure you visit Angelo’s, or enjoy the exotic flavours at the Pan-Asian restaurant Dragon Lady, these venues are complimentary, open for dinner and must book ahead. A favourite amongst P&O cruisers is the unforgettable dining experiences at Luke Magnan’s restaurants. On Pacific Explorer his restaurant is called ‘Luke’s’ and boasts an inviting alfresco setting open for lunch and dinner, at an additional cost. Serving up delicious Australian favourites such as mouth-watering burgers, fries and tasty wings. The Chef’s table on board is also designed by Luke Mangan, for a memorable and unique experience visit ‘A taste of Salt’. This is exclusive and numbers are capped per cruise so be sure to book as soon as you board to avoid missing out. Voted the Best Pizza in the world in 2014, Melbourne chef Johnny Di Francesco’s restaurant onboard, 400 Gradi, serves up delicious pizza not to be missed. In the evenings, a section of ‘The Pantry’ is curtained off to transform to another dining experience, Shell & Bones. Fresh local Australian seafood is available with other meat and vegetarian options. This is a hidden gem many passengers don’t discover until the end of the cruise. If you are looking for good quality coffee you will need to head to ‘Charlie’s Bar’ on Deck 5, here they offer specialty tea and coffees for a fee and complementary cakes and pastries. A P&O staple is New Zealand Ice-cream, available poolside for a small fee. Room service is available 24 hrs with a charge per item menu.
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Bars
Pacific Explorer boasts some fresh new bars and concepts to enhance the P&O experience. With the idea of enjoying your local watering hole, the cosy atmosphere of the Explorer Hotel offers a delicious range of craft and small batch beers. This is a great place to meet up with friends for an easy afternoon and enjoy some live music. The Bonded Store is brand new to P&O and Pacific Explorer is the first ship to have this venue.
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In partnership with Archie Rose Distilling Co, this is a glamorous speakeasy with mixologists serving the finest liquor and cocktails or sign up for a gin or whisky master class (for a fee). The parties continue into the evening in the Blue Room with a mixture of live music or the resident DJ, this will coincide with the themed parties throughout your cruise so be sure to check your daily planner to see what is on. There are several bars around the ship, you won't be lost for choice, offering Australians favourite beers, wine and cocktails all charged regular prices. For those keen to party aboard, the drinks package may be an option for you, this can be purchased as part of your cruise fare (speak with a consultant), purchased in your cruise planner before your cruise or purchased once you are onboard. The package covers up to 15 drinks in a 24 hour period and is governed by Australian RSA laws.
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Entertainment
The evenings you will find the ship alive with incredible artists, both local and international, playing live music and hosting events. Visit the theatre after dinner and watch the spectacular singers and dancers perform the latest productions exclusive for P&O guests. For a new level in entertainment, Black Circus may interest you.
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The glamorous cabaret style show combines acrobatics and the lustre of dance for a 18+ show, because of the style of this show tickets must be purchased for a small fee. You can elevate your experience and combine it with an exclusive pre dinner and cocktail. The comedy shows are popular in the evening, often rotating through several acts throughout your cruise. The theatre will also host special guests during your cruise, they may feature local celebrity entertainment, magicians and other circus acts. On Comedy cruises you will find the theatre packed out for back to back comedy acts all night, sure to leave you in stitches of laughter. The casino is open while in international waters and open to early hours of the morning, here you can play many favourites such as poker, roulette and the pokie machines. The P&O parties are well renowned, all guests get dressed up and get involved. Depending on the length of cruise the parties range from Gatsby party, Bianco White Party and Back to School Party. Check your cruise details to see what you need to pack!
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Activities
Everyone enjoys their holiday differently, and P&O can cater for them all. Choose from over 60 activities a day or do nothing and relax by the pool. Pacific Explorer offers a range of activities included in your fare. You have unlimited access to the water-slides, water park and pools. You can learn a new skill with dance classes or cooking classes, or take a seminar relating to beauty, health or history of the destinations you are visiting.
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You will find deck games such as putt putt, table tennis, quits and shuffleboard. For those thrill seekers, the P&O Edge Adventure Park is for you, you can pay per an activity or purchase a pass for the whole cruise. Yourself or the family can go rock climbing, go across the ship in a flying fox, play laser tag, walk the plank and more. Bring your bingo pens and participate in the jackpot bingo, tickets are sold on the day of the games being hosted and guests enjoy a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
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Health & Fitness
Zone out and indulge in a luxurious spa treatment at the Oasis Spa. The spa is open daily offering a full range of facials, scrubs and massages featuring the popular Elemis products. You can also visit the full service hair and beauty salon if you are looking to be glammed up for a special occasion. Check your daily planner for any spa specials, often you can pick up a bargain on port days. The thermal suites are available onboard, you can purchase a day pass or a pass for the whole cruise.
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This is a favourite among many guests as a way to unwind those tight muscles while on holiday. Keep up your fitness during your cruise with the modern gym facilities onboard, access to the gym is free. There are group classes available in activities such as yoga, aerobics, Pilates and spin or train one on one with personal trainers; these are an additional fee.
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Kids
There are many options for the kids entertainment on Pacific Explorer, with or without their parents. With many dedicated venues include Turtle Cove for 2 - 5 year olds, Shark Shack for 6 - 9 year olds, HQ for 10 - 13 year olds and HQ+ for 14 - 17 year olds. Children under 2 are welcome to use the kids club facilities with direct supervision of their parent or guardian.
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Children who are still in nappies are able to participate in the kids clubs however the parent must be available at all times to change their child’s nappy when contacted by the youth staff. The kids clubs open approximately 10am to 10pm each day (subject to change) and evening babysitting is available for a fee, from the hours of 10.30 pm to 1 am. Registration for the kids clubs is imperative as it is a first-come-first-served basis with limited numbers, be sure to sign up as soon as you board to save disappointment! The kids will make friends onboard and be enjoying themselves so much you will be bringing them out of the club for dinner. The activities provided by the youth staff are age specific and really involved to engage the kids collectively, as a parent you may even be asked to attend the talent quest!
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Inclusions
- Activities - organised & individual
- All main meals on-board
- Coffee, tea, milk & hot snacks
- Cruise Director & all English speaking staff
- Entertainment - live music and/or shows, movies
- Gratuities - tipping is neither expected nor required
- Kids clubs & teen programs (3-17 yrs)
- Open/anytime seating & multi-venue dining
- Service charge: Up to €0/USD12.50/AUD18 (12 & over) daily, child over 1 pay half. Ask about pre-payment.
- Ship-shore-ship transfers
- Use of ship facilities - indoor & outdoor
- Weddings, ceremonies, group events options

Customer cruise ship ratings

Pacific Explorer has an average of 3.9 Stars based on 823 Guest Reviews

Overall

3.9
Cabin

3.8
Dining

4
Entertainment

3.9
Service

4.3

Destination & Ports

Visited Ports

Highlights

Relax, rejuvenate or get poolside fabulous. Ship has a range of utterly decadent and relaxing therapies at Aqua Spa.
Forget everything you know about traditional cruise dining and prepare your taste buds for unique and fresh cruise cuisine!
Now you can play barefoot bowls at sea. Challenge your mates to a friendly game. Go on, just roll with it!

Cabins

Accommodation includes 410 balcony rooms that include Suites with balcony, Mini-Suites with balcony, and Balcony. Balconies may have either solid steel or toughened glass railings. Also there are 11 grades of Oceanview and Interior staterooms. The recent re-build provides for 22 inter-connecting pairs of cabins for families, and many cabins have a third or fourth bed available. All cabins are spacious with wardrobes, en suites, and twin beds mostly convertible to queen size. Facilities include flat screen TV, fridge, personal safe, and an interactive video system.

Outside cabins have a large window or porthole in the case of a few. Interconnecting cabins for families and groups allow quad-quad, twin-quad, triple-triple, and twin-twin bedding. The Mini-Suites come with tub and shower and a range of extras, and can accommodate three or four. (Check out whether the deck 11 Suites allow for night-time quietness.) Note that room-service meals come at extra charge. Sixteen cabins are wheelchair accessible. Cots are available for children under three years. The entire ship has been newly re-carpeted and staterooms refreshed. Smoking is only permitted in designated smoking areas, and excludes staterooms and balconies.)

Inside
Outside
Balcony
Suite

Inside

Cabin Types

IF, IE, ID, IC, IB, IA

Average Cabin Size – 13.7 m2

Average Balcony Size – 0 m2

Wake up with your loved ones! Equipped with everything you need, it's the prefect sanctuary after a full day of adventure on deck and ashore. Twin rooms feature twin beds which can convert into a queen bed. Quad rooms feature two lower and two upper (bunk) beds. Some rooms can accommodate up to 3-4 adults / children.
Outside

Cabin Types

OG, OF, OE, OD, OV, OI

Average Cabin Size – 14.4 m2

Average Balcony Size – 0 m2

Oceanview rooms feature a window or porthole so you wonrsquo;t miss a single ocean view. It's nice to know therersquo;s a cosy, clean sanctuary with your name on it, equipped with everything you need. Twin rooms feature twin beds which can convert into a queen bed. Quad rooms feature two lower and two upper (bunk) beds. Some rooms can accommodate up to 3-4 adults / children.
Balcony

Cabin Types

BA, BE, BD, BC, BB

Average Cabin Size – 16.6 m2

Average Balcony Size – 2.6 m2

Open your doors and let the outside in! Make the most of your time at sea with your own private Balcony Room, itrsquo;s the best way to enjoy all the comfort of our onboard rooms and all the beauty of living on the ocean. Twin single beds that convert into a queen bed. Some rooms can accommodate up to 3-4 adults / children.
Suite

Cabin Types

PT, SA, MB, M5, MA

Average Cabin Size – 45.6 m2

Average Balcony Size – 14.4 m2

If you're looking for a whole new level of luxury the exclusive penthouse room is for you. Our new Penthouses feature a large spa bath, spacious sitting area, separate dining area, private balcony and floor to ceiling windows.Twin beds that convert into a queen-size bed plus a double sofa bed. Some rooms can accommodate up to 4 adults / children.

Explore the decks

Legend

Third or Fourth berth available
Third berth available
Wheelchair accessible
Two lower beds not convertible to queen; shower facilities only
Obstructed View
Public toilet
Queen bed not convertible to two twin beds

Date	Title	Departs	Prices From
14 Jun 2023	Solomon Sea Islands Cruise - X328	Cairns	$0
22 Nov 2024	Comedy Cruise - X449Q	Melbourne	$0
25 Nov 2024	Kangaroo Island Cruise - X449R	Melbourne	$0
29 Nov 2024	Comedy Cruise - X450	Melbourne	$0
01 Dec 2024	Southern Getaway Cruise - X451	Adelaide	$0
05 Dec 2024	90S Cruise - X452N	Adelaide	$0
05 Dec 2024	A Taste Of Tasmania Cruise - X452	Adelaide	$0
09 Dec 2024	Southern Getaway Cruise - X452P	Adelaide	$0
13 Dec 2024	Kangaroo Island Cruise - X453	Adelaide	$0
17 Dec 2024	Comedy Cruise - X454	Adelaide	$0
19 Dec 2024	Christmas Cruise - X455	Melbourne	$1698
27 Dec 2024	Comedy Cruise - X456	Melbourne	$0
30 Dec 2024	New Year's Eve Cruise - X501	Melbourne	$3473
12 Jan 2025	A Taste Of Tasmania Cruise - X502	Melbourne	$0
17 Jan 2025	Comedy Cruise - X503	Melbourne	$0
20 Jan 2025	Kangaroo Island Cruise - X504	Melbourne	$0
24 Jan 2025	Aussie Classics Cruise - X505	Melbourne	$843
27 Jan 2025	Southern Explorer Cruise - X506	Melbourne	$1003
03 Feb 2025	Exmouth Cruise - X507	Fremantle	$1398
07 Feb 2025	Asia Explorer Cruise - X508	Fremantle	$1598

View All Pacific Explorer Cruises

Pacific Explorer Faqs

WHERE IS PACIFIC EXPLORER NOW?

Click on the link to see where the Pacific Explorer is: Pacific Explorer Location.
WHICH PORT IN AUSTRALIA DOES THE PACIFIC EXPLORER DEPART FROM?

Pacific Explorer cruises from Melbourne and Adelaide almost all year round.

Note: From the 29th of March 2025 the Pacific Explorer will become retired.
WHAT DINING OPTIONS ARE INCLUDED IN MY PACIFIC EXPLORER CRUISE FARE?
- Waterfront Restaurant [Deck 5] - Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Angelo’s [Deck 6] - Lunch and dinner.
- Dragon Lady [Deck 6] - Lunch and dinner.
- The Pantry [Deck 14] - Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
WHAT DINING OPTIONS COST EXTRA ON THE PACIFIC EXPLORER?
- Luke’s Bar & Grill [Deck 14]
- P&O Trattoria
WHAT BAR & ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS DOES THE PACIFIC EXPLORER HAVE?
Bars & Specialty Food
- Charlie’s Bar [Deck 5]
- Explorer Hotel [Deck 7]
- Blue Room [Deck 7]
- Ice Cream [Deck 12]
- Pool Bar [Deck 12]
Entertainment & Activities Options
- Black Circus Cabaret Shows [Deck 7]
- Fitness Classes [Deck 12]
- Elemis Day Spa [Deck 12]
- Edge Adventure Park [Deck 15]
- The Oasis [Deck 14]
Note: Some of the above bar & entertainment options may incur an additional cost.
HOW DO YOU MAKE RESERVATIONS ON THE PACIFIC EXPLORER?

Before your cruise, you can make dining reservations in Cruise Control [check-in service], or through the P&O Cruises App. Once onboard, you can book by visiting the booking desk on Deck 6 or calling 4800 from your cabin phone. Download the P&O Cruises app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
IS THE PACIFIC EXPLORER GOOD FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES?

Yes, the Pacific Explorer offers many entertainment alternatives for youngsters, whether or not their parents are there or not. They will enjoy 4 outdoor pools, a waterpark with slides, an arcade, and age-specific programmes just to name a few.
WHAT ARE THE SHIP RULES YOU NEED TO FOLLOW?
- You must attend the safety drill.
- No smoking indoors or on cabin balconies.
- No underage drinking.
- No sneaking drugs or alcohol onboard.
- No rowdy behaviour.
- No guests in crew areas.
- No nappies in the pools.
- No reserving lounge chairs.
- No climbing on railings.
- No taking of food and drink from the cruise ship.
- No flames such as candles in your cabins.
- No drones.
- No weapons.
- Return to the ship on time on shore days.
WHAT SIZE RESTRICTIONS DOES THE PACIFIC EXPLORER HAVE FOR MOBILITY SCOOTERS OR WHEELCHAIRS?

Pacific Explorer has 16 wheelchair-accessible cabins with door widths ranging between 86 and 88cm. If you require an accessible stateroom, please speak with your Clean Cruising consultant.
DOES THE PACIFIC EXPLORER HAVE A CHRISTMAS CRUISE?

Yes, on the 19th of December 2024, the Pacific Explorer will depart on a Christmas Cruise for 8 nights departing Melbourne, Pacific Explorer Christmas Cruise 2024.

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100% family owned and operated and based in Australia for over 20 years.

Pacific Explorer Cruises

Ship Specification

Pacific Explorer Next 5 Departures

Comedy Cruise - X449Q

Kangaroo Island Cruise - X449R

Comedy Cruise - X450

Southern Getaway Cruise - X451

90S Cruise - X452N

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Onboard Experience

Dining

Bars

Entertainment

Activities

Health & Fitness

Kids

Inclusions

Customer cruise ship ratings

Destination & Ports

Highlights

Cabins

Inside

Cabin Types

Average Cabin Size – 13.7 m2

Average Balcony Size – 0 m2

Outside

Cabin Types

Average Cabin Size – 14.4 m2

Average Balcony Size – 0 m2

Balcony

Cabin Types

Average Cabin Size – 16.6 m2

Average Balcony Size – 2.6 m2

Suite

Cabin Types

Average Cabin Size – 45.6 m2

Average Balcony Size – 14.4 m2

Legend

Pacific Explorer Faqs

WHERE IS PACIFIC EXPLORER NOW?

WHICH PORT IN AUSTRALIA DOES THE PACIFIC EXPLORER DEPART FROM?

WHAT DINING OPTIONS ARE INCLUDED IN MY PACIFIC EXPLORER CRUISE FARE?

WHAT DINING OPTIONS COST EXTRA ON THE PACIFIC EXPLORER?

WHAT BAR & ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS DOES THE PACIFIC EXPLORER HAVE?

HOW DO YOU MAKE RESERVATIONS ON THE PACIFIC EXPLORER?

IS THE PACIFIC EXPLORER GOOD FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES?

WHAT ARE THE SHIP RULES YOU NEED TO FOLLOW?

WHAT SIZE RESTRICTIONS DOES THE PACIFIC EXPLORER HAVE FOR MOBILITY SCOOTERS OR WHEELCHAIRS?

DOES THE PACIFIC EXPLORER HAVE A CHRISTMAS CRUISE?

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