Pacific Sun (ship)

The MS Pacific Sun is a Holiday class cruise ship operated by P&O Cruises Australia. She was built in 1986 by Kockums Varv, Malmö, Sweden for Carnival Cruise Lines as MS Jubilee. At 47,000-tons, the Pacific Sun is a medium sized ship, accommodating up to 1,900 passengers from Australia and/or New Zealand. Pacific Sun currently operates on 3 to 14-night itineraries to the South Pacific and Queensland.

Following the recent 2007 Melbourne Cup, during which the ship joined Pacific Dawn, Pacific Sun now sails from Brisbane, at Portside Wharf, becoming Queensland’s latest liner.

Background

The vessel was constructed for Carnival Cruise Lines and entered operation in 1986 as Jubilee. Jubilee was one of three Holiday class ships constructed for Carnival, along with near-sister ships Holiday and Celebration. In 2004, the vessel was transferred to P&O Cruises Australia, and was renamed Pacific Sun.

Since arriving in Sydney in November 2004, Pacific Sun has welcomed thousands of Australians onboard. Pacific Sun’s features include a two-storey waterslide and a host of entertainment options. Passengers can book cruises to the South Pacific and an extensive 42 night tour of Asia.

On the decision to relocate her to Brisbane, P&O Cruises' former Managing director, Gavin Smith said in a press statement released on the company's website - “Basing Pacific Sun in Brisbane is an exciting step for P&O Cruises and furthers our commitment to Queensland cruising. It provides the opportunity for 500 more passengers to join each cruise and sail direct from Brisbane to a wealth of destinations in the South Pacific and tropical Queensland”.

Cruising Program

Pacific Sun debuted in Australia in November 2004, when she began year-round cruises from Sydney to the South Pacific and tropical north Queensland. During 2007, Pacific Sun offered 32 sailings, with itineraries varying from a 3-night short break cruise to a 14-night voyage to New Caledonia, Fiji and Vanuatu. Destinations include islands such as Ouvea, Champagne Bay and Isle of Pines, as well as capitals like Noumea and Vila.

Pacific Sun's relocation to Brisbane has seen her become the largest year-round liner ever to be based in Queensland. She has also had the opportunity to go on the 42 night Cherry Blossum cruise which goes around Asia Pacific Star was originally assigned for this cruise, but as she was sold did not get the opportunity for this cruise.

Cabins and Suites

• Queen, twin, 3 or 4-berth configuration. 4 berths have double bunks.
• Ensuite with shower
• Air conditioning with personal controls
• TV
• Telephone
• Hairdryer
• Wardrobes, drawers and desk
• Safety deposit box
• Complimentary toiletries

Suites also offer

• Queen, twin, 3 or 4-berth configuration
• Entertainment area with sofa bed, coffee table and chairs
• Balcony with table, chairs and sun lounge
• Fridge
• Jacuzzi
• Walk-in wardrobe
• European style duvets and luxury linens

Passenger Facilities

Passenger facilities

• Two swimming pools
• Two Spas
• Fitness centre and classes♦
• Deck sports
• Jogging track, steam room, sauna
• Lotus Spa massage, beauty treatments, hair salon♦
• Library
• Internet café♦, wireless internet♦
• Art and craft lessons♦
• Dancing lessons
• Trivia quizzes
• Duty and tax-free shopping♦
• Art auctions♦
• Child-free sunbathing deck

Entertainment

• Broadway-style musical productions
• Live music and karaoke
• Guest performers
• Cocktail parties
• Casino♦ and sports bar
• Big-screen recent release movies
• Snowball bingo♦
• Audience participation shows
• Deck parties
• Nightclub
• Video Arcade♦

Dining

• The Bordeaux Dining Room
• à la carte breakfast: 7.30am-9.30am
• à la carte lunches: 12pm-2pm
• Four-course dinner
• First Sitting: 5.45pm
• Second Sitting: 8.15pm
• The Burgundy Dining Room
• Four-course dinner
• First Sitting: 5.45pm
• Second Sitting: 8.15pm
• Lido Buffet
• Buffet breakfast: 6am-10.30am
• Buffet lunch: 11.30am-2.30pm
• Steakhouse♦: from 6.30pm
• Pizzeria♦: from 5pm
• Traditional P&O Cruises afternoon tea
• Bar snacks♦
• New Zealand Natural ice cream bar♦
• 24-hour room service♦

Bars and lounges

• Speak Easy Piano Bar
• Legends Sports Bar
• Smuggler's Lounge
• Oz Nightclub
• Atlantis Show Lounge
• Outback Bar
• Lido Pool Bar

♦=Additional to cruise fare

Children

There are three different youth activity centres onboard Pacific Sun for kids aged 3-17 years:Turtle Cove 3 to 6 years

• Arts and crafts
• Movies and cartoons
• Scavenger hunts
• Birthday parties
• Afternoon ice cream
• Disco night
• Talent shows
• Pyjama parties
• Dance parties
• T-shirt painting♦

Shark Shack 7 to 12 years

• Arts and crafts
• Movies and cartoons
• Scavenger hunts
• Playstation 2
• Birthday parties
• Pizza and ice cream parties
• Talent shows
• Dance parties
• T-shirt painting♦

Teen Lounge 13 to 17 years

• Sports competitions
• Late-night movies
• Pizza parties
• Karaoke and lip-sync shows
• Casino night
• Playstation 2
• Talent Shows
• Hip-Hop dance classes
• Mocktail parties
• Dance Parties
• Formal

♦=Additional to cruise fare Group child-minding is also available from 10pm-1am but is at an additional cost.

Gallery

References

• "P&O Australia". P&O Cruises Australia, .
• "Cruising comes of age as P&O Cruises reveals upcoming program". P&O Cruises Australia, .