A quirky, Aussie feel

THE interior of Pacific Eden and sister ship Pacific Aria blends a contemporary style of modern Australia, while capturing the relaxed and sometimes cheeky spirit Aussies are known for.

Most of the passengers on board are Australians with an average age of 44, ranging from family groups and couples to retirees.

The ships include poolside cabanas and luxe bars to quirkily designed lift interiors.

P & O Cruises senior vice president Sture Myrmell (right) appointed Tillberg Design of Sweden to oversee the complete makeover of the two ships before they joined P& O Cruises’ fleet.

The company looked to hotels and restaurants for inspiration, rather than other cruise ships, spending weeks in Sydney and its suburbs visiting the bars, restaurants and beaches where they saw how Australians like to relax.

They observed that Australians appreciate quality food and wine, like to have fun and don’t take themselves too seriously – values that are reflected in the ships’ design.

The first sign of just how different the ships would be with the buffet banned.

The traditional ship experience has been replaced by a new concept, The Pantry – an international food market place, featuring a relaxed stylish decor with lounges, high tables and banquettes.

Inside The Pantry, guests can choose from eight different dining experiences – from Mexican dishes and Indian curries to fish and chips, delistyle fresh sandwiches and d sal salads and gourmet cakes and coffee.

There are 15 dining experiences.

These include the new panAsian Dragon Lady, the stylish Angelo’s for modern Italian dining, the popular Salt grill by Luke Mangan, a private Chef’s Dining Table and the ship’s largest restaurant, Waterfront.

As well there are late night live music venues the Blue Room, the relaxed homely feel of the Ocean bar and the luxe decor of Luke Mangan’s first Salt grill bar.