SUITE REVIEW: Pacific Explorer Suite 8253 (SA Suite)

**EDIT: this is an SA suite, not a penthouse suite (I used the wrong name when I recorded the introduction onboard the ship!) Join my private Facebook group for cruise deals, tips and advice - the more members we have, the better we’ll get! www.facebook.com/groups/CTGdeals Follow me on Facebook and Instagram: www.facebook.com/thecruiseandtravelguy www.instragram.com/thecruiseandtravelguy Head to my website for great cruise and travel deals: www.thecruiseandtravelguy.com.au Pacific Explorer offers a range of accommodation from interior and oceanview rooms to balcony cabins and mini suites. Sitting at the top though, are the suites and penthouse suites. There are only 8 onboard the ship, with all of them located aft with their balconies on the stern. The main difference between the suite and penthouse suite is the size of both the room and balcony. Though the layout remains much the same, penthouse suites are more spacious. The room is broken up into two main areas, with the first being the living room. When choosing a quad share arrangement, the lounge can be converted into a sofa bed. A Nespresso coffee machine is one of the P&O suite perks, with coffee pods restocked by your steward daily. On boarding day, you’ll be greeted with a celebratory chilled bottle of sparkling along with a fruit basket that can be replenished on request. With a coffee table and arm chairs, the room lends itself to entertaining or just gives you extra space to spread out comfortably. A work desk or second vanity is located in the living area, with drawers and shelving offering additional storage. A curtain can be pulled across to separate the bedroom and living areas. The large room divider houses both the bedroom and living room televisions, one on either side, as well as storage in the form of drawers and cupboards. The mini fridge is located here with a number of complimentary beverages. Complimentary bottled water is provided daily which is another of the suite perks. There is a wet bar complete with glassware for easy entertaining, though beware of rattling glasses early morning during docking, a direct result of engine vibration. In the bedroom, the larger than queen size bed is comfy and welcoming after days ashore. A pillow menu is also available for suite guests, with a number of alternative pillow styles provided on request. P&O replaced all of the soft furnishings including carpets, curtains and pillows when they welcomed the ship into their fleet and it still looks fresh and up to date. Another vanity in the bedroom area will make it easy for more than one person to get ready at the same time. One of those built in hair dryers is available too, though far from being powerful the unit provides only the mere suggestion of hair drying capabilities. Bring your own hair dryer. The walk in wardrobe is a fantastic addition, and is stocked with lots of hangers as well as bathrobes and slippers, both available for use onboard. There are power points located throughout the room, both Australian and US style outlets. There is also a 4 socket USB A outlet located at the living room desk behind the telephone. As part of the suites program, guests can order room service breakfast via an order form, once complete, you place the form on your stateroom door where it will be collected overnight. In addition, crudite, nuts, fruit and savoury appetisers can be ordered on a daily basis for delivery during the evening. The bathroom is definitely one of the biggest positives of the suite onboard Pacific Explorer. There’s a jacuzzi for the ultimate in relaxation, as well as a large free standing shower. High end bath and body products by MOR have been supplied for use during the cruise. Pool towels are available for use onboard or ashore, and can be replaced by your cabin steward as needed. A second doorway separates the powder room from the main bathroom. With a separate toilet and extra basin, it makes it easy for couples or larger groups to get ready at the same time. The balcony is large and spacious, with a dining table and chairs, as well as two loungers. The wake view though, is really the cherry on top. Though there are some downsides to the location, including the long walk if you’re somewhere forward, and the engine vibration during docking, the view and sound of the wake is really hard to beat. It also gives you a great perspective of the passing sights. There’s plenty of storage around the cabin, there are drawers and shelves everywhere and of course, the walk in robe is a huge plus. One of the biggest issues I had with the room however was its proximity to Black Circus on deck 7 below. Noise from the shows would emanate up to a large number of the cabins located aft on deck 8. I didn’t personally find it problematic because I was usually out and about, but if you’re a light sleeper or prefer early nights on your cruise, I would suggest avoiding deck 8 above the Black Circus theatre. Thanks for watching!