Parra News March 14 2023

Having never cruised before, I will
admit that I may have assumed
that cruise ships were full of older
people playing bingo but as I found myself at
a nightclub on Deck 18 at 1am that pre-conceived
notion was quickly overcome.
Taking it back a step to when I was invited
to board P&O’s Pacific Adventure for a fournight
getaway to Moreton Island, I never
could have imagined how much is on offer on
each level of what is essentially a floating hotel
and resort.
Following over 2,600 lanyard wearing
guests, I was quick to grab the first of many
strawberry daiquiris and head to the sail away
party where we witnessed the stunning sight
of barely scraping under the Sydney Harbour
Bridge.
With 21 dining options available there is a
lot to try, and 400 Gradi by award-winning
Melbourne chef Johnny Di Francesco was
a delicious choice to load up on authentic
Italian before setting out to discover all the
different and stylishly designed corners of the
ship, including one of the stage shows on each
night.
TRAVEL
P&O PACIFIC ADVENTURE
Words: Emily Feszczuk | Photos: Supplied | More Info: www.pocruises.com.au
“I NEVER COULD HAVE
IMAGINED HOW MUCH IS
ON OFFER ON EACH LEVEL
OF WHAT IS ESSENTIALLY
A FLOATING HOTEL AND
RESORT”
After a peaceful sleep with the newfound
sensation of being gently rocked by the
ocean, we took in the vast blue view from our
comfortable balcony room and then went up
to the main deck to see it in all its glory.
The seasoned travellers set up on their deck
chairs early and it is easy to see how people
can spend their whole holiday in the Oasis
adults only pool area or the Magrodome
family area, not to mention the dual racing
waterslides which were a hit for everyone,
regardless of age.
Wanting to immerse myself in the experience,
I bought my bingo tickets, my lucky
dabber and as I joined a full lively theatre, I
discovered how fun it is thinking you are just
one legs 11 away from winning a cash prize
(spoiler – I didn’t win).
The rest of the afternoon was spent by taking
a cocktail class in a charming hole-in-thewall
bar, getting some lunch from The Pantry
which has a range of cuisines in a buffet style
and spending more time screaming than
taking in the view as I (reluctantly) ziplined
across the top of the ship, which is a must do
for adrenaline seekers.
The Gatsby themed night saw as equally as
many feather boas as a Harry Styles concert
and it was the perfect attire to witness the
very cheeky and cabaret style show – Blanc de
Blanc, Uncorked!
After some more delicious drinks, and a late
comedy show we found ourselves at the Altitude
nightclub which parties all night long but
is a convenient easy walk back to your room.
Trying to fit in every session of trivia and
karaoke at the Adventure hotel meant that
a day of relaxation was needed which came
when we had a shore day where people
ventured out to Tangalooma Island Resort.
Taking advantage of a noticeably quieter
ship, we spent the day at the Byron Beach
Club which is a private access area for guests
booking into suites.
Swimming, sunning ourselves, and playing
games like connect four was perfect before we
headed out to explore the island on a tender
and took in the magnitude of the Pacific
Adventure from the shoreline.
Our shore excursion was one we will not
forget where a pod of wild dolphins came
up to us in the shallows at sunset to be fed
16 parra news » Tuesday, March 14, 2023