P&Os Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden are currently in Singapore undergoing refurbishments before they sail from Sydney Harbour in November.

The double dry dock season is a first for P&O as the Australian cruise liner prepares to expand its fleet. More than 900 contractors from 43 nationalities are currently on-site transforming the former Holland America ships in Singapore. An approximate of 250,000 work hours will be done for the ships makeover with refurbishments comprising 20,000 square metre of carpet, 2500 square metre of wall covering, 300 deco pieces, 2500 furniture items, 2500 signs, 500 litres of paint besides shopping for 47,000 glasses, 74,000 pieces of China and 30,000 items of cutlery.

A statement released by P&O said that about seventy 12-metre shipping containers are waiting at the shipyard, filled with an assortment of nearly 5000 products ranging from forks to furniture. The ships will also be reconfigured with Australian power points and beer taps will be installed in preparation for their new home down under.

Pacific Eden will be ready to leave the dry dock on November 3, cruising via Fremantle, southern Australia to Sydney Harbour. Pacific Aria will leave the dry dock on November 12 arriving on Sydney Harbour in time for the ships dual naming ceremony on November 25. Read our post about the event here

P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Sture Myrmell said the 1500-guest ships would set a new path for the local industry with stunning new features including luxe bars, a plush private dining room, a resort-style pool deck, contemporary dining including Luke Mangan’s Salt grill and some of the most spacious rooms across the fleet. “We can’t wait to introduce Australians to Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden. They’re unlike anything we’ve ever seen in these waters – they’re stylish but relaxed, just like modern Australia, so we think local cruisers will love them,” Mr Myrmell said.