The Pacific Adventure arrived in Sydney this morning to somber weather, flags flying at half mast and scaled back celebrations after the death of Her Majesty The Queen last night.

Her arrival means the entire P&O Cruises Australia fleet of three ships has now returned home to resume cruising in Australia.

Pacific Adventure sailed through the Heads this morning on her way initially to the Overseas Passenger Terminal, and P&O announced celebrations were scaled back as a mark of respect following the death of Her Majesty.

Pacific Adventure is one of the tallest ships to ever sail under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Just two metres separates her mast from the top of the famous steel spans when she sailed to White Bay later.

The ship will eventually be sailing year-round from the harbour city once it officially joins the P&O fleet. Her first sailing with passengers will depart on October 22, kicking things off with a three-night comedy cruise.

Pacific Adventure has undergone a transformation and will be offering its guests renovated bars and dining spaces including the Adventure Hotel, 400 Gradi, Luke’s and a new Lobby precinct which are all in keeping with P&O’s contemporary look and feel.

The ship has seen the addition of the first of its kind ‘Twin Racer’ waterslides,  which means you can race against the clock and challenge your family, friends, and new-found friends on our Twin Racer Waterslides.

Adventure’s preparations at berth Pacific Adventure’s stay at Sydney Harbour will allow the cruise line to embark joining crew members, conduct operational manoeuvres, and prepare for ‘work up’ or ‘test’ voyages, before its first passenger voyage.

While at berth, crew will incrementally board the ship each day and supplies will be loaded onto the vessel. Vessel staff and contractors will also conduct maintenance tasks on and around the ship in preparation for its return to service.

Pacific Adventure will overnight at the OPT  before relocating on Saturday morning to White Bay Cruise Terminal in Rozelle, which requires her to pass under the Bridge.

For those wanting to track her journey into Sydney Harbour, these are the estimated arrival times for the ship.

  • 9:30am – Enter Sydney Heads
  • 10:00am – Pass by Bradley’s Head
  • 10:15am – Pass by Fort Denison
  • 10:20am – Pass by Sydney Opera House
  • 10:30am – Arrive at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay (OPT)

Previously the Golden Princess, the ship can house 2,600 guests across its 12 decks.

Pictures courtesy of Sydney Webcam