P&O Cruises Banishes the Buffet to Start a Food Revolution
In one of the biggest transformations in Australian cruising, P&O Cruises has announced a food revolution that will see buffets banished from its latest cruise ships.
As part of a major overhaul of dining at sea, the cruise line has revealed that both Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden will feature its largest ever array of restaurant offerings when they join its fleet in November 2015 – including a market place of fresh food outlets replacing the traditional cruise buffet.
To be known as The Pantry, the new area will offer a variety of food outlets including a gourmet delicatessen, fresh fish and chips and modern cuisine restaurants. Guests will able to enjoy their meals in a stylish setting featuring high tables, communal benches and comfortable banquettes.
Unveiling details of Pacific Eden and Pacific Aria, P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Tammy Marshall said The Pantry would take dining at sea into new waters.
“It will be a haven for food lovers, with a contemporary relaxed vibe as guests indulge and discover what’s in The Pantry,” Ms Marshall said.
Speaking at the World’s Leading Cruise Lines Summit with key travel agents on the weekend, Ms Marshall said the latest ships would each offer 15 bars, restaurants and cafes.
“Guests on Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden will enjoy a dining experience like no other, with our fresh food and stunning décor transforming the way cruise guests dine at sea.”
New additions include Dragon Lady, serving Pan-Asian cuisine in a sultry setting featuring dark timbers and midnight blue furnishings, and an elegant Italian restaurant Angelo’s, named after photographer Angelo Frontoni, and offering traditional food with undeniable Italian flair.
Guests will also be able to indulge at the ships’ Open Kitchen featuring a culinary school as well as dining, while a dedicated Chef’s Table dining area will be available for a more intimate experience.
The popular Salt Grill by Luke Mangan restaurant – already featured on P&O Cruises’ existing fleet of Pacific Jewel, Pacific Pearl and Pacific Dawn – will be served with a twist on Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden, with the inclusion of Salt Grill Bar offering sophisticated Luke Mangan cocktails.
Meanwhile a new Cellar Door will provide guests a boutique winery experience, with an opportunity to taste the wines onboard and pre-order for dinner.
Ms Marshall said the dramatic new look and feel of the ships would extend to the pool area, with day beds, sheer white curtains and outdoor rugs and lamps providing a luxury residential feel and a great setting for entertainment day or night.
Elements of the latest ships’ features will be introduced across the existing fleet, with Pacific Jewel to have The Pantry added during a dry dock next year.
Meanwhile Pacific Dawn’s pool area will be transformed with a new resort look in December this year as part of a major refit which will also include the installation of a P&OEdge Adventure Park, building on the success of the original adrenalin experiences launched on Pacific Jewel last year.
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