Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden, the two ships P&O Cruises Australia will introduce in November 2015, will assume a completely different identity to their present Holland America Line ones in a major refit. Tillberg Design in Sweden has been resposible for designing the new interiors of the two ships that were built in the early 1990s as Statandam and Ryndam.
They will feature residential feel on outer decks, boutique winery experience and culinary school, a report in Herald Sun says.
Instead of the traditional buffet, the ships will feature an area known as The Pantry including a variety of food outlets from a gourmet deli to fresh fish and chips.
P&O Cruises senior vice president Tammy Marshall said the concept would take dining at sea into new waters. “It will be a haven for food lovers, offering a contemporary relaxed vibe as guests indulge and discover what’s in The Pantry,” Marshall said.
A total of 15 bars and restaurants will be on board the ships including Dragon Lady serving Pan-Asian cuisine and Angelo’s Italian restaurant named after photographer Angelo Frontoni.
Guests will also be able to learn to cook some of the dishes on offer, at the ship’s Open Kitchen with a culinary school and dedicated Chef’s Table dining area.
A new Cellar Door will provide guests with a boutique winery experience, and celebrity chef Luke Mangan’s popular Salt Grill will become the Salt Grill Bar on the Pacific Aria and Eden.
Marshall said the 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, the report stated.
______
Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden, the two cruise ships Carnival Corp & plc group unit P&O Cruises Australia will receive from sister company Holland America Line, will undergo a massive revamp that will significantly change the ambiance of the ships before they enter service on the Australia market in November 2015.
The ships, currently known as Statendam and Ryndam, will rase the British flag before entry into service with the Australian company.
The buffet on both ships will be replaced by The Pantry, which offers interactive dining like "you’ve never seen it before.," the company saod, calling it a foodie haven. "A range of stylish, individual outlets offer contemporary Australian and international cuisine like fine cheeses and Mexican street food,” the company said in a statement.
“Enjoy the café vibe as you relax at an intimate table for two or join friends at the high tables and communal benches. Night or day, there’s something for everyone in The Pantry, making it the perfect venue for a quick bite, long lunch or romantic open-air dinner.”
The Waterfront restaurant will occupy the lower level of the current two deck high main dining room. “Enjoy classic and cutting-edge Australian cuisine in a plush, modern surrounding. Materials and a colour scheme inspired by natural Australia sees wooden details and soft colours throughout,” the company said.
Dragon Lady, an Asian fusion restaurant, will occupy the port side of the upper level of the former main dining room, while an Italian restaurant will be introduced in the starboard side of the same space. Salt Grill by Luke Magnan, a feature that has already been introduced ion the other three ships of the company, will be located forward of the Italian restaurant.
“Guests onboard Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden can choose from two separate pool areas - the adults-retreat The Oasis and the main pool deck. And this is not your regular cruise ship pool area. With understated décor in a grand yet relaxed setting, the design brings the indoors, outdoors, creating the perfect place for daytime relaxing and night time cocktails.” P&O Cruises Australia said.
In all, there will be 15 bars, restaurants and cafes on the early 1990s built ships that are of 55,000 gross tons each.
