Good evening, I have just booked on Pacific Explorer for 4 nights cruise from Adelaide to Port Lincoln and Kangaroo Island sailing on February 26th 2024. I was allocated Balcony Cabin 10027 and that is the cabin you have on your UA-cam video. Thank you for showing through this cabin, Bruce Barton. ❤
Love the ‘cut out’ balcony in this room - seems so much more private than what I’ve seen on a lot of other ships. Also, I know I’ve mentioned to you before that this ship is so different to the U.K. P&O ships, but there’s so many comfortably similarities in this cabin!
I’ve just watched your Ventura cabin review and can see the “Princess bones” as I’m calling them haha. The Ventura and incoming P&O Aus Adventure/Encounter will be almost identical in terms of cabins.
@@TheCruiseandTravelGuy I tell my friends who are going on cruises for this month to had their rooms with balcony settings so they can enjoy see the ocean on there Caribbean trips.
Thanks Adrian! I booked a balcony room on Adventure for June 1st, but was given same grade on Explorer for upcoming Fiji itinerary. I've had 2 balconies on Explorer before : 1 forward on 12, & Aft - right below the starboard doors near turtle cove 🤣...maybe I've had another,but after a couple of years off...I do remember when she First arrived, Explorer still had old curtains from Princess...
Last time we was on this ship we had the smallest interior cabin I have ever seen. We could hardly move in there. Even had to seperatle the beds. But in Nov we have upgraded from an ocean view room to a balcony room :) so hoping that that might be better ❤❤
Hi Adrian I've booked a tour of 5 days to Tangalooma in Nov.2023 Got a mobility balcony cabin, can't find any videos on these to find out what they look like, but looking forward to it.
Hi Joseph. Thanks for watching. Which ship is your cruise on? I can send you a link to the P&O accommodation guide which has a floor plan and specifications for the room. It’s not a video, but should at least give you a better idea of what to expect onboard.
@@josephburrows3711 have a look through this, and it should help you find out more info about your cabin - cdn-media.pocruises.com.au/-/media/b2c/ships/deckplans/4284_poau_pi_pv-accommodation-guide-2022_finalsept2022.pdf?rev=4e05db0308ec45ba9bc8e4fcc020ce68&hash=BA0F342AD08DDD96B8E4A6495537F8AE
Interesting to see that the room had 2 chairs. On our last 3 Princess cruises there was only 1 chair in our balcony room. For the 31 day trans Pacific crossing on Ruby Princess we ended up buying a folding chair in LA to make the room more comfortable.
Oh wow! That’s strange that there was only 1. I’ve read about people asking for more balcony furniture if they’ve had three/four people in a room (though I don’t know where that many chairs would fit on a regular balcony haha)
You are allowed to ask for extra chairs. We had 2 chairs and a table with mum and myself and then 3 chairs and table with the 3 of us and our family next door had 4 chairs and table. So it was set up per person.
@@MicheeeeeObiMrs yeah I always ask at guest services for an additional chair and even ask our cabin attendant but we are always told that there aren't any. Of course this is nonsense but they are consistent.
Hi Adrian . Great vid and very informative . I have one question if I may . I'm travelling with a CPAP machine and wondering are there power outlet beside the bed ?
Hi Nicholas, thanks for watching and glad you found the video helpful. There’s a power outlet on the vanity, that should reach without issues if you’re in the bed closest to the vanity. The steward can also supply you with an extension cord if you need one, just ask when you see them.
We were recently on Explorer and had a balcony. Now did you get that additional cupboard thing near the bathroom door? Did P&O add that cupboard thing since 2017 as I don't remember it. Your video doesn't show it so I guess you stateroom had a different layout to ours. I did appreciate the USB outlets but I found we couldn't slide our luggage under our bed. We found there was enough space in the main closet for bags. I think your cabin is a little different to ours. We didn't have the little table near the door you highlight at 2:32. I brought along some magnetic hooks which stick to the walls and can be used for hanging sunnies, cruise cards, caps, etc.
Hey there! I had friends onboard that had the same layout with the additional cupboard. They had a twin room, with two separate beds and from memory it might have been a three/four berth cabin. I think that’s why it has the additional cupboard in place of that little shelf/ledge. Magnetic hooks are a great tip!
Cruising the Explorer next Friday 24/6/22, then 23/8/22 to Cairns, back to back for a comedy cruise. Then onto the Princess Majestic to Hobart 20/11/22 and back to back to NZ.
Hi Adrian great to talk with you on the Explorer and your friend. My travel companion was taken off at Sydney to ICU, not good but she is now on the mend back in Brissie. Thanks to P&O and Princess I am now confirmed on the Coral for the round Oz cruise in Oct, not real happy about the single supp but what can we do?, sit back and relax! - Truly I was so excited about joining the Explorer for the first departure for a while out of whites bay under the bridge yeah!!!!!!! cold and windy, all good. Your critique of the cabins I thought was true and accurate, "economical", - I was not excited about the space, bathroom very squeezy, and the bed tooooo short, 6'2' and my feet stick out the end, want a cuppa at 03.30 it will cost you AU$4.00 and the water aint hot and surprisingly, I thought the Pantry on this trip was lacking in variety, heat of product and truly to me, not too flash. If you wanted sticky yucky ,lovely sweet non diet conscious foods like cakes etc well, you were well catered for. Drinks as expected, a bit exxy but the staff were great!!!!!!! Getting from some decks required a walk fwd or aft at another deck to get to the required deck, not user friendly. I took your advice and made certain I ate Italian, I always thought Osso Bucco was a beef product, not lamb shanks so food wise I thought that P&O were economising on product, Roast Beed (Flank) that's a new one. Most annoying of all, and it is not limited to the Explorer, you request and have confirmed, anytime dining so you front up at whatever time and you are met with the boys and girls at the compute, mesmerised, focused and they ask, would you share? - of course, back to the compute, looky looky looky, me too, heaps of space as you can see and finally he boss cocky passes the seat request to the sidekick and away we go. Share a table I was asked, I was summoned to a table catered for four and there consumed entire meal alone when I could have been accommodated as request at table for two by a window. seriously this problem needs attention. It was good to be back though.
The cafe uses T2 coffee. I take my own seperately packaged T2 bags & a double walled stainless steel water bottle from Kiki K. In rough seas, I don't have to screw the lid off, just press & pour! In the morning I get a big porridge bowl with handle at the pantry, & make a triple sized green tea. If I see nice fruit on self serve side , I take 1 or 2 pieces & put in a bowl, on my desk. Mostly drink in Port - especially somewhere like Lifou - where it contributes to the local community , but also because I like the local beers in the South Pacific. I'd rather be able to pay a single supplement,then pay 2 full fares & fight for rare single bookings like on P&O. I don't like the idea of tiny single cabins on Princess & the interiors on Ruby were smallest Queen ever seen, but only travel solo to make up for small rooms. Explorer balcony cabins are just big enough for 1 person 🤣
Hi Rod, was great to meet you onboard! So sorry to hear about your friend but I’m glad they’re doing well now. I tend to agree with your findings also, I didn’t really frequent The Pantry as I felt the offering was a bit limited and some of the food itself was hit and miss. Though I did think their breakfast offering was quite solid - they know how to poach an egg! I found a similar experience with the dining room situation. Not sure if it was just a lack of training or the crew still getting used to the dining room setup, but I wasn’t every really sure what was happening until we were escorted over to a table, at which point I would know if we were sharing or dining alone. I also think they need some work on that side of things, but I will give them the benefit of the doubt and hope that it was just the result of inexperience and will hopefully be a situation that improves over coming voyages. So glad to read that you’ll be embarking on the round Australia voyage! I think you’ll have a fantastic time, and Princess will offer a different level of service and inclusions that will hopefully take some of the sting out of that single supplement. Thanks again for coming to say hello onboard.
Just watched your latest video Adrian Great job I'm looking forward to my first cruise later this year A 3 day Cruise on the Pacific Explorer in November Can you tell me how you know what meals you pay for and the ones that come with the cruise? Thanks John
Hi John thanks for watching! Complimentary dining is available at the Waterfront dining room for breakfast, lunch (sea days) and dinner; as well as Angelo’s and Dragon Lady for dinner daily; and the Pantry everyday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Paid options are 400 Gradi for pizza and other Italian style food (late morning to late night every day), Luke’s open for lunch and dinner daily and a Taste of Salt degustation which is available some nights throughout the cruise. There’s also Shell & Bones which is a seafood option. Hope that info helps!
The balcony cabins on Adventure and Encounter will be a little bigger. They have a walk-in wardrobe outside of the bathroom - it’s a better layout in my opinion. Plus the balconies have glass railings which makes them feel more open.
@@TheCruiseandTravelGuy Thank you for that info Adrian, your experience is invaluable. I would have incorrectly assumed for them being the same layout. As I often quote in life, it’s the little things that make a difference.
@@TheCruiseandTravelGuy I loved the wardrobe/bathroom combo on Pacific Jewel ,in ocean view cabins, with the long drawers running between the wardrobe & bathroom wall.I could roll my case into the end & use the bottom drawer for "indoor" footwear
Hi Fred - Explorer’s itinerary was changed a couple of weeks ago from 10 to 8 nights. P&O didn’t offer a complete explanation as to why the change was made.
@@TheCruiseandTravelGuy Thanks! I was sitting at MCAs rooftop cafe 3-4pm yesterday - no movement on any of the open decks, & only saw 1 crew member near Starboard pantry window
@@TheCruiseandTravelGuy Yes I am going on the splendor this December It's my first time cruising do you have any recommendations to do on the cruise? I'm extremally exited 😁
@@obama9334 I've got my first Carnival cruise in November, on the Splendor - another in February & June 2023. I prefer P&O Australia out of the 4 Carnival brands I have tried, but I'll let you know if there's anything I'd avoid on your cruise ✊🏼
@@obama9334 oh excellent! I always suggest walking around the whole ship on day 1 and getting your bearings! Explore everything. Apart from that, just have fun and try it all. I’m sure you’ll love it.
I'm in Sydney, but I work with an agent who can help you book cruise or holiday travel. If you're interested you can email adrian@thecruiseandtravelguy.com.au
how do you know if your cabin is 2 3 or 4 berth cabin I'm going with the wife a daughter and we want to make sure daughter not sleeping in same bed as us parents
Gee P&O are ripping you off with $5.25 for a bottle of water in your cabin. P&O offer cheap cruises but then nickel and dime you on drinks etc going forward where the real profit is.
They definitely do charge for a fair few extras onboard, things like ice cream and poolside snacks that are complimentary on other lines. You can buy a water package onboard or before your cruise that sees the per bottle cost become around $3 or so from memory.
Couldn’t bring myself to ever go on a P&O cruise. Such outdated and shabby looking cabins. Wouldn’t stay in 3 star accommodation on land, so I refuse to go 3 star at sea.
Good evening, I have just booked on Pacific Explorer for 4 nights cruise from Adelaide to Port Lincoln and Kangaroo Island sailing on February 26th 2024. I was allocated Balcony Cabin 10027 and that is the cabin you have on your UA-cam video. Thank you for showing through this cabin, Bruce Barton. ❤
Hi Bruce. Thanks so much for leaving a comment. I hope you have a fantastic cruise to Port Lincoln and Kangaroo Island.
Love the ‘cut out’ balcony in this room - seems so much more private than what I’ve seen on a lot of other ships.
Also, I know I’ve mentioned to you before that this ship is so different to the U.K. P&O ships, but there’s so many comfortably similarities in this cabin!
I’ve just watched your Ventura cabin review and can see the “Princess bones” as I’m calling them haha. The Ventura and incoming P&O Aus Adventure/Encounter will be almost identical in terms of cabins.
Thank you for sharing...I would need a balcony with my room all the time...
Thanks for watching 😊
@@TheCruiseandTravelGuy I tell my friends who are going on cruises for this month to had their rooms with balcony settings so they can enjoy see the ocean on there Caribbean trips.
@@LMays-cu2hp ooh yes, especially in a place like the Caribbean where a balcony would definitely be worth the investment.
@@TheCruiseandTravelGuy Thank you and you be safe taking your trips for the summer.☺☺
Thanks Adrian! I booked a balcony room on Adventure for June 1st, but was given same grade on Explorer for upcoming Fiji itinerary. I've had 2 balconies on Explorer before : 1 forward on 12, & Aft - right below the starboard doors near turtle cove 🤣...maybe I've had another,but after a couple of years off...I do remember when she First arrived, Explorer still had old curtains from Princess...
Fiji itinerary! That’s going to be sensational.
There’s no hiding the Princess bones in these cabins lol
Going on the Explorer in September can't wait...We are only have a interior room but still excited..The balcony room looks amazing maybe next cruise..
You’ll have an excellent time!
Last time we was on this ship we had the smallest interior cabin I have ever seen. We could hardly move in there. Even had to seperatle the beds. But in Nov we have upgraded from an ocean view room to a balcony room :) so hoping that that might be better ❤❤
I think you'll enjoy the extra space of the balcony 😄 the room is still compact, but having a private space outdoors is very nice.
I think im used to being on a boat or ship slept like a baby no matter how rocky it was sometimes during the night
Hi Adrian I've booked a tour of 5 days to Tangalooma in Nov.2023 Got a mobility balcony cabin, can't find any videos on these to find out what they look like, but looking forward to it.
Hi Joseph. Thanks for watching. Which ship is your cruise on? I can send you a link to the P&O accommodation guide which has a floor plan and specifications for the room. It’s not a video, but should at least give you a better idea of what to expect onboard.
@@TheCruiseandTravelGuy It’s the Pacific Adventure
@@josephburrows3711 have a look through this, and it should help you find out more info about your cabin - cdn-media.pocruises.com.au/-/media/b2c/ships/deckplans/4284_poau_pi_pv-accommodation-guide-2022_finalsept2022.pdf?rev=4e05db0308ec45ba9bc8e4fcc020ce68&hash=BA0F342AD08DDD96B8E4A6495537F8AE
Interesting to see that the room had 2 chairs. On our last 3 Princess cruises there was only 1 chair in our balcony room. For the 31 day trans Pacific crossing on Ruby Princess we ended up buying a folding chair in LA to make the room more comfortable.
Oh wow! That’s strange that there was only 1. I’ve read about people asking for more balcony furniture if they’ve had three/four people in a room (though I don’t know where that many chairs would fit on a regular balcony haha)
You are allowed to ask for extra chairs. We had 2 chairs and a table with mum and myself and then 3 chairs and table with the 3 of us and our family next door had 4 chairs and table. So it was set up per person.
@@MicheeeeeObiMrs yeah I always ask at guest services for an additional chair and even ask our cabin attendant but we are always told that there aren't any. Of course this is nonsense but they are consistent.
Hi Adrian . Great vid and very informative . I have one question if I may . I'm travelling with a CPAP machine and wondering are there power outlet beside the bed ?
Hi Nicholas, thanks for watching and glad you found the video helpful.
There’s a power outlet on the vanity, that should reach without issues if you’re in the bed closest to the vanity. The steward can also supply you with an extension cord if you need one, just ask when you see them.
@@TheCruiseandTravelGuy Great thank you !!
That's cool, February 2024, we cruise in that room, 10027.
Nice! Enjoy the cruise.
We were recently on Explorer and had a balcony. Now did you get that additional cupboard thing near the bathroom door? Did P&O add that cupboard thing since 2017 as I don't remember it. Your video doesn't show it so I guess you stateroom had a different layout to ours.
I did appreciate the USB outlets but I found we couldn't slide our luggage under our bed. We found there was enough space in the main closet for bags. I think your cabin is a little different to ours. We didn't have the little table near the door you highlight at 2:32. I brought along some magnetic hooks which stick to the walls and can be used for hanging sunnies, cruise cards, caps, etc.
Hey there! I had friends onboard that had the same layout with the additional cupboard. They had a twin room, with two separate beds and from memory it might have been a three/four berth cabin. I think that’s why it has the additional cupboard in place of that little shelf/ledge.
Magnetic hooks are a great tip!
We had a suite on Dawn in 2017 and it too had the door handle missing from the bar fridge.
Haha seems to be a common theme!
Cruising the Explorer next Friday 24/6/22, then 23/8/22 to Cairns, back to back for a comedy cruise. Then onto the Princess Majestic to Hobart 20/11/22 and back to back to NZ.
Awesome! Sounds like you have a few great cruises planned. Have a fantastic time.
Hi Adrian great to talk with you on the Explorer and your friend. My travel companion was taken off at Sydney to ICU, not good but she is now on the mend back in Brissie. Thanks to P&O and Princess I am now confirmed on the Coral for the round Oz cruise in Oct, not real happy about the single supp but what can we do?, sit back and relax! - Truly I was so excited about joining the Explorer for the first departure for a while out of whites bay under the bridge yeah!!!!!!! cold and windy, all good. Your critique of the cabins I thought was true and accurate, "economical", - I was not excited about the space, bathroom very squeezy, and the bed tooooo short, 6'2' and my feet stick out the end, want a cuppa at 03.30 it will cost you AU$4.00 and the water aint hot and surprisingly, I thought the Pantry on this trip was lacking in variety, heat of product and truly to me, not too flash. If you wanted sticky yucky ,lovely sweet non diet conscious foods like cakes etc well, you were well catered for. Drinks as expected, a bit exxy but the staff were great!!!!!!! Getting from some decks required a walk fwd or aft at another deck to get to the required deck, not user friendly. I took your advice and made certain I ate Italian, I always thought Osso Bucco was a beef product, not lamb shanks so food wise I thought that P&O were economising on product, Roast Beed (Flank) that's a new one. Most annoying of all, and it is not limited to the Explorer, you request and have confirmed, anytime dining so you front up at whatever time and you are met with the boys and girls at the compute, mesmerised, focused and they ask, would you share? - of course, back to the compute, looky looky looky, me too, heaps of space as you can see and finally he boss cocky passes the seat request to the sidekick and away we go. Share a table I was asked, I was summoned to a table catered for four and there consumed entire meal alone when I could have been accommodated as request at table for two by a window. seriously this problem needs attention. It was good to be back though.
The cafe uses T2 coffee. I take my own seperately packaged T2 bags & a double walled stainless steel water bottle from Kiki K. In rough seas, I don't have to screw the lid off, just press & pour! In the morning I get a big porridge bowl with handle at the pantry, & make a triple sized green tea. If I see nice fruit on self serve side , I take 1 or 2 pieces & put in a bowl, on my desk. Mostly drink in Port - especially somewhere like Lifou - where it contributes to the local community , but also because I like the local beers in the South Pacific. I'd rather be able to pay a single supplement,then pay 2 full fares & fight for rare single bookings like on P&O. I don't like the idea of tiny single cabins on Princess & the interiors on Ruby were smallest Queen ever seen, but only travel solo to make up for small rooms. Explorer balcony cabins are just big enough for 1 person 🤣
Hi Rod, was great to meet you onboard! So sorry to hear about your friend but I’m glad they’re doing well now.
I tend to agree with your findings also, I didn’t really frequent The Pantry as I felt the offering was a bit limited and some of the food itself was hit and miss. Though I did think their breakfast offering was quite solid - they know how to poach an egg!
I found a similar experience with the dining room situation. Not sure if it was just a lack of training or the crew still getting used to the dining room setup, but I wasn’t every really sure what was happening until we were escorted over to a table, at which point I would know if we were sharing or dining alone. I also think they need some work on that side of things, but I will give them the benefit of the doubt and hope that it was just the result of inexperience and will hopefully be a situation that improves over coming voyages.
So glad to read that you’ll be embarking on the round Australia voyage! I think you’ll have a fantastic time, and Princess will offer a different level of service and inclusions that will hopefully take some of the sting out of that single supplement.
Thanks again for coming to say hello onboard.
Just watched your latest video Adrian Great job
I'm looking forward to my first cruise later this year
A 3 day Cruise on the Pacific Explorer in November
Can you tell me how you know what meals you pay for and the ones that come with the cruise?
Thanks John
Hi John thanks for watching!
Complimentary dining is available at the Waterfront dining room for breakfast, lunch (sea days) and dinner; as well as Angelo’s and Dragon Lady for dinner daily; and the Pantry everyday for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Paid options are 400 Gradi for pizza and other Italian style food (late morning to late night every day), Luke’s open for lunch and dinner daily and a Taste of Salt degustation which is available some nights throughout the cruise. There’s also Shell & Bones which is a seafood option.
Hope that info helps!
Thanks Adrian.
Very lovely video
Thank you!
Thanks Mate 👍
amazing upolad! ;)
Wonder if the cabins will be similar on the new Pacific Encounter seeing as both Explorer and Encounter are ex-Princess ships
The balcony cabins on Adventure and Encounter will be a little bigger. They have a walk-in wardrobe outside of the bathroom - it’s a better layout in my opinion. Plus the balconies have glass railings which makes them feel more open.
@@TheCruiseandTravelGuy
Thank you for that info Adrian, your experience is invaluable.
I would have incorrectly assumed for them being the same layout.
As I often quote in life, it’s the little things that make a difference.
@@blacksorrento4719 thank you for the kind words 😄
@@TheCruiseandTravelGuy I loved the wardrobe/bathroom combo on Pacific Jewel ,in ocean view cabins, with the long drawers running between the wardrobe & bathroom wall.I could roll my case into the end & use the bottom drawer for "indoor" footwear
@@ColetteNicoll so good! Sounds like a much better use of space.
Adrian any clue is to why the Pacific Explorer is back in Sydney 2 days ahead of schedule?
Hi Fred - Explorer’s itinerary was changed a couple of weeks ago from 10 to 8 nights. P&O didn’t offer a complete explanation as to why the change was made.
@@TheCruiseandTravelGuy Thanks! I was sitting at MCAs rooftop cafe 3-4pm yesterday - no movement on any of the open decks, & only saw 1 crew member near Starboard pantry window
Great commentary
Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks!
Do you get the robes or did you have to order/ purchase them
Robes are normally in the cabin depending on room type (mini suite and above). These are free to use while onboard.
Hi Adrian! I have one question. Will you be going on the carnival splendor in December from Sydney this year?
Hi Obama, not this December - I’m going on a cruise with another cruise line that month 😄 Are you going to be onboard Splendor in December?
@@TheCruiseandTravelGuy Yes I am going on the splendor this December It's my first time cruising do you have any recommendations to do on the cruise? I'm extremally exited 😁
@@obama9334 I've got my first Carnival cruise in November, on the Splendor - another in February & June 2023. I prefer P&O Australia out of the 4 Carnival brands I have tried, but I'll let you know if there's anything I'd avoid on your cruise ✊🏼
@@obama9334 oh excellent! I always suggest walking around the whole ship on day 1 and getting your bearings! Explore everything. Apart from that, just have fun and try it all. I’m sure you’ll love it.
@@TheCruiseandTravelGuy Thank you! enjoy your cruise in December.
are you located in Melbourne do you have a shop where we can go to buy tickets for a cruise
I'm in Sydney, but I work with an agent who can help you book cruise or holiday travel. If you're interested you can email adrian@thecruiseandtravelguy.com.au
how do you know if your cabin is 2 3 or 4 berth cabin I'm going with the wife a daughter and we want to make sure daughter not sleeping in same bed as us parents
Hey there. 3 and 4 berth cabins have additional bedding in the form of bunks. The beginning of the video goes through the different configurations.
Gee P&O are ripping you off with $5.25 for a bottle of water in your cabin. P&O offer cheap cruises but then nickel and dime you on drinks etc going forward where the real profit is.
They definitely do charge for a fair few extras onboard, things like ice cream and poolside snacks that are complimentary on other lines. You can buy a water package onboard or before your cruise that sees the per bottle cost become around $3 or so from memory.
A 'compact/tine' bathroom is what you get on MOST cruise ships 🤣🤣🤣
😂 true! I think the curtain makes it feel smaller even 🤪 at least while using the shower!
I strangly like the small shower 😂
Couldn’t bring myself to ever go on a P&O cruise. Such outdated and shabby looking cabins. Wouldn’t stay in 3 star accommodation on land, so I refuse to go 3 star at sea.
Look to Celebrity, Silversea, Oceania and the newer Royal Caribbean/Princess ships for something better.