P&O Cruises has announced that its Pacific Pearl will feature a giant entertainment screen on its pool deck, giving passengers a great new way to enjoy their cruise holiday.

Stretching seven metres wide and four metres high, the state-of-the-art LED “Big Screen” is a first for the cruise line and headlines a series of exciting drawcards planned for Pacific Pearl, which will be launched in December this year.

Unveiling details of the ship, Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, which operates P&O Cruises, said Pacific Pearl would give passengers more choice than ever before.

Ms Sherry said Pacific Pearl’s Big Screen would create the opportunity for poolside fun day and night, showcasing everything from sports events, latest release movies and scenic destination images to P&O Cruises’ own daily TV show.

In another first for the cruise line, Pacific Pearl will give her passengers a new way to soak up the sun and relax while on holiday with a Swim Up Bar in one of her two pools.

Ms Sherry said she expected Pacific Pearl to quickly develop a strong following among passengers.

“P&O Cruises is the only cruise line operating in Australia and New Zealand which proudly offers a product specifically designed for the local market, from the features each of our ships provides through to our fantastic entertainment and cuisine,” Ms Sherry said

“Every one of our ships – Pacific Jewel, Pacific Dawn, Pacific Sun and soon Pacific Pearl – offers our passengers something a little different while delivering the fun, carefree P&O Cruises’ holiday Australians and New Zealanders love.” 

Other key features of Pacific Pearl, which will be refurbished in Singapore in November, include:

•  The Dome lounge – offering sweeping 270-degree ocean views over the ship’s bow.

•  Salt Grill by Luke Mangan – a huge hit on Pacific Dawn and Pacific Jewel, Luke Mangan’s 60-seat fine dining restaurant will also be a showstopper on Pacific Pearl, offering passengers a meal to remember.

•  The Orient – a new pub-style bar with a name that recalls the traditional days of sailing on the Orient Line. The Orient will feature leather chesterfield lounges and wingback chairs along with a full selection of beverages, including an impressive array of boutique bottled and draft beers.

•  The Oasis – positioned at the ship’s stern, this retreat gives passengers the perfect location to catch some sun, relax and watch the ship’s wake. With its wicker recliners and dedicated full bar, it will be a favourite haunt of those wanting some time out.

•  Pacific Cirque – aerial circus performances on the ship’s top deck using a spectacular acrobatic arch, which spans the ship’s width.

•  The Atrium – the hub of the ship will be stylishly refurbished with new shopping outlets and a range of bars and lounges.                

•  Mix Cocktail Bar – new on deck six with windows overlooking the ocean, the bar will be a great spot for espresso coffee by day and drinks by night, with live piano music setting the mood.

•  The Café – Australians’ love of good coffee and chocolate has been recognised with the creation of The Café on deck 12, offering espresso coffee, refreshing drinks and gourmet chocolates for passengers to enjoy poolside.

•  Aqua HealthSpaFitness – this new spa features numerous treatment rooms including a couple’s room with a private whirlpool spa. Services range from facials and body scrubs to acupuncture and medi-spa treatments. Passengers can also chill out in the thermal area and relaxation room.

“Pacific Pearl will be a wonderful addition to our fleet, offering new drawcards alongside established favourites – and of course great cruising destinations,” Ms Sherry said.

Passengers can get a sneak peek of Pacific Pearl’s highlights prior to her launch by following the ship’s blog at http://pacificpearl.pocruises.com.au

Carrying 1800 passengers, the 63,500-tonne Pacific Pearl will be launched in Auckland on December 21 and sail five cruises from New Zealand before redeploying to Sydney in early February for her maiden Australian season.

Cruises start from $599* per person twin-share for Pacific Pearl’s first three-night cruise from Sydney departing February 3, 2011.