The 5 BEST Things on Pacific Explorer Cruise Ship [Now Star Voyager]

Pacific Explorer may have been the smallest ship in the P&O Cruises Australia fleet, but she was packed with personality. Originally entering service in 1997 as the Dawn Princess, she spent two decades with Princess Cruises before transferring to the Australian arm of P&O in 2017. The ship served as the flagship of P&O Australia after undergoing an extensive "Australianisation" refit, ensuring she was perfectly tailored for the local market. While she has been a beloved fixture in Australian waters, she is now embarking on a new chapter following the closure of the P&O Australia brand, with her legacy continuing as part of the broader Carnival Corporation family. I’ve sailed on her three times, including once as a guest lecturer, and I’ve found many reasons to appreciate this Sun-class gem. The 5 Best Things About Pacific Explorer [now Star Voyager]: The Black Circus Lounge: A standout venue that offered high-quality, cabaret-style entertainment in an intimate setting. Dragon Lady: This pan-Asian restaurant was a favourite for its immersive atmosphere and fantastic flavours. Exciting Waterslides: The addition of twin waterslides during her refit added a huge "fun factor" for passengers of all ages. P&O Edge Experience: For those seeking adventure, the ship featured the P&O Edge programme, including activities like the flying fox and deck walks. The Exceptional Crew: The energy and service from the team on board remained a consistent highlight of the experience. What are your favourite memories of Pacific Explorer or the P&O Australia era? Let me know in the comments! 📚 Buy my books: https://www.frameandcross.com/books 👕 Buy cruise merch: https://chrisframeofficial.teemill.com/ 🛳️ Read My Maritime History Substack: https://themaritimehistorian.substack.com/ 🎥 OUR EQUIPMENT: Camera - DJI Pocket 3: https://amzn.to/4sG6nc7 DJI Lav Mic: DJI Lavalier Mic: https://amzn.to/4klRgBA DJI Roaving Mic Transmitter: https://amzn.to/3Qji62Q Voice Over Mic: Audio Technica: https://amzn.to/4ij8myg These are affiliate links meaning we may receive a small commission from any sales. 🛳️ BOOK A CRUISE (AUS/NZ): https://www.travelmasters.com.au/chris-frame From a childhood voyage on Cunard’s QE2 to becoming a leading voice in maritime history, Chris spends many days each year at sea, with a front-row seat to how the cruise industry operates. When it comes to booking his own family cruises, he turns to Travel Masters and The Travel Studio. In Chris’ words: “Their team doesn't just navigate complex, long-distance itineraries; they have even secured cabins that many major booking engines can't find. They’ve been my secret weapon for many years, providing human expertise that I’ve never seen matched. I recommend them to friends and family without hesitation.” This is an affiliate link. By using this booking referral page Chris Frame may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. 🗺️ CUSTOM CRUISE MAP: Made using AIS (satellite ship-tracking) data, The Cruise Maps show the exact route. Select your cruise, give your map a title, and we'll do the rest. Use my code "ChrisFrameOfficial" for 10% off at: https://thecruisemaps.com/chrisframeofficial This is an affiliate link, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through it. 🌍 THE CRUISE GLOBE: Map your own cruises at: https://www.thecruiseglobe.com/ Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgk7SzYDkiXWWBfMqXYH0cA/join Tags: #pacificexplorer #pacificadventure #pacificencounter #cruiseship #cruisetips #cruiselife #cruisenews #dawnprincess #oceanliner #oceanliners