The 1,500-passenger Pacific Eden, previously Statendam under Holland America Line, is now part of the P&O Australia fleet. It features the upmarket food court dining concept, The Pantry, to replace the traditional buffet dining. Pacific Eden is the first ship from P&O Australia to depart from tropical North Queensland (Cairns) and to have an overseas homeport (Singapore). Pacific Eden offers trips to Papua New Guinea, and voyages extending to the Solomon Islands. The Singapore departures have port calls in nearby Asian countries such as Indonesia, Thailand and Cambodia.

[fa type=”bed”] Accommodation

Pacific Eden has 630 cabins categorised according to spaciousness, living area and bathroom facilities. All cabins are outfitted with either two beds that can convert into a queen bed or two lower and two upper (bunk) beds. The main beds in the suites and penthouse convert into king-sized beds. There is personally controlled air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, wardrobe, desk with chair, safety deposit box, hair dryer, phone and Wi-Fi. Shelves and drawers for storage are plentiful in both main room and bathroom. Other than the bigger space, a walk-in wardrobe and a bathtub, extra perks for suite guests include priority check-in and disembarkation, a welcome aboard gift such as a fruit basket, complimentary laundry service, a Nespresso coffee machine, iPod music system, in-room dining (afternoon tea and canapes delivered on request) and free bottled water and soft drinks in the fridge. To accommodate bigger groups and families, 52 of the cabins can be interconnected.

[fa type=”cutlery”] Food

Pacific Eden has wide options for free dining. Waterfron Restaurant, the ship’s main dining room, is open from 7am to 9am for breakfast (7.30-9.30am on sea days), noon to 1.30pm for lunch (sea days), and 5pm to 9pm for dinner. Seating is open so no booking is required, unless guests request for an early matinee dinner at 5pm. The Pantry is a casual dining area that houses eight different outlets, from Mexican, Indian and Asian to salad bars and desserts. Other dining options indclude the pan-Asian specialty Dragon Lady restaurant and the sophisticated Angelo’s. At a fee, guests can try Blue Room, Salt Grill by Luke Mangan or the intimately unique dining experience at Chef’s Table. Room service is available 24 hours a day.

[fa type=”ticket”] Activities

Elemis at Sea on deck 11 offers a range of facials, massages, wraps and salon services using the brand’s high-end products. It also has treatments that claim to offer detoxifying and slimming effects. The thermal suite has five heated benches, warm air, aromatic steams, saunas and powerful monsoon showers. For a full cruise pass, the cost ranges from $149 to $299 per couple or $99 to $179 per person, depending on the length of the cruise. Located at the front of the ship, the fitness centre has an excellent ocean view from floor-to-ceiling windows. It has treadmills, exercise bikes and strengthening equipment, as well as complimentary fitness classes. Guests can also take classes like Pilates, yoga or indoor cycling for about $13 a class or hire a personal training for $97 an hour.

[fa type=”group”] Families

Pacific Eden has a lot of amenities to cater to both kids and parents. Children and teenagers are divided into age groups – each assigned to a designated area with age-appropriate activities. Teenagers are split into two groups, 11-14 year olds and 15-17 year olds. Both HQ (for younger teens) and HQ+, are decked with video game consoles and movies. Another activity kids can get themselves into is the Broadshorts program, a great initiative that teaches them to make a short film using Stop Motion Pro technology.