$94 HO L IDA Y

THE ON BOARD THE NEW P&O YOU CAN HAVE A LUXURY HOLIDAY FOR UNDER $100 A NIGHT. ANDREA BLACK TESTS IT OUT

Andrea meets a friendly local.

I’m sipping on an awardwinning distilled gin cocktail at small bar The Bonded Store after feasting on a fresh seafood platter meal at Shells and Bones.

On land, this would be a once-in-a-blue-moon treat, but on board the new Pacific Explorer, it’s just one of the daily options for dining.

The ship, which is the refurbished Dawn Princess, set sail in June this year and offers nine bars and lounges, and 15 dining options.

Highlights include burgers at Luke’s – a poolside grill by renowned chef Luke Mangan – and pizzas at 400 Gradi, a traditional Neapolitan pizzeria by award-winning Melbourne chef Johnny Di Francesco. There’s also Angelo’s – an Italian restaurant in a room festooned with giant Sophia Loren portraits – and Asian fare at Dragon Lady.

The ship’s all-day dining main restaurant is the place to enjoy breakfast, and being an Aussie-based ship, you know you can expect exceptional coffee. Besides the food options, what really stands out on the Pacific Explorer is the modern design in the

public spaces.

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P&O’S Head of Design Petra Ryberg has worked her magic adding velvets (be sure to have a drink in the Blue Room bar, it looks like a five-star hotel bar), cushioned window seats, plants, and natural elements of marble and wood. There’s even a homewares store on board selling some of these pieces, so you can take the look back to your own home.

There are more than 60 activities to enjoy on board. You might opt for a leisurely bowl at the bowling green or partake in more thrillseeking adventures, including ziplining and walking the plank. While kids will be entertained with a water park offering the longest and wildest water slides on an Australian cruise ship, parents will be happy to know there’s an adults-only oasis with a plunge pool, jacuzzis and ample sun lounges for relaxing and reading.

There’s also an adults-only, slightly risque burlesque and aerobatic show

in Sydney Harbour.

called Love Riot in the new cabaret entertainment venue Black Circus. A disclaimer on the ticket tells us to expect ‘raunch’.

The VIP Love Riot package includes a five-course degustation dinner and show for $29. Be sure to pack for the themed nights, including the Bianco party where white is preferred.

QLately I have been feeling abandoned and alone. Recently I was diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer and they have decided not to operate on as it’s too risky. I’m not sure what the future holds for me now. I’m feeling lost.

My life has been turned upside down and I’m not sure what to do as now everything is up in the air, so to speak. My usual zest for life seems to have departed but I guess it’s likely that’s caused by the treatment for the cancer. I’m