Pacific Adventure Review: Ticking Off Our Family Bucket List

Going on a family cruise has been on our travel bucket list for years. We've admired many cruise ships parked in the harbour as we've driven over the bridge and raised a celebratory captain's salute as we've watched these giants of the sea make their way out of the heads, always with that pang of jealousy of everyone casually living their best life on board.

When the four of us—my husband and two boys, aged 7 and 4—were invited to experience a winter break onboard P&O's Pacific Adventure, we couldn't pack fast enough. We would finally tick off four days at sea from our bucket list with what would soon be one of our most memorable family holidays to date. 

Pacific Adventure Review: Ticking Off Our Family Bucket List

It's no secret that cruising holidays garner a mixed bag of reviews—from the sea sickness to the food, the tiny rooms, the feeling of being 'trapped' at sea, and the assumption that they're just floating bingo halls for the over-70s crowd. All of my presumptions about cruise ships went out the door the minute we stepped onto the Pacific Adventure and got to experience life on the high seas. Spoiler alert: it's a vibe and not just for the over-70s crowd. 

Pacific Adventure Really is That Big

After channelling our inner Leonardo Di Caprio and Kate Winslet on the grand staircase (doesn't everyone?), it was time to explore the ship. With 12 guest decks, 18 dining options, 13 bars and nightclubs, three kids' clubs, four pools, six spas, a casino, a medi-spa, and even a zipline, Pacific Adventure is big enough to accommodate you, your whole family plus all of your existential crises. 
 

Our cruising adventure took us from Sydney's White Bay Cruise Terminal to Queensland's Moreton Island and back over 4 days. The first surprise once we boarded the ship was how elegant everything was. Pacific Adventure underwent a multi-million-dollar upgrade in 2022 and is now a far cry from gaudy velvet curtains and nautical stripes. From the glittering chandeliers to the polished marble floors, sweeping staircases, and refined carpeting, the interiors wouldn't look out of place in a five-star resort. 
 

Our home away from home was in one of the mini-suites on Deck 8. My second surprise once on board was how roomy the mini-suites are. Cruise ship accommodations can be tight at best, no surprises there, however, our room managed to comfortably fit in a queen-size bed, a bunk bed, a minibar, a balcony, two TVs, and loads of cupboard space. 
 

I'm pretty picky when it comes to beds, and I have to say that our mattress was one of the most comfortable I've ever slept on. Booking a mini-suite grants you the luxury of having your own pillow concierge with a choice of up to three different types of pillows if you don't mind! Speaking of concierges, each deck has a concierge service, so you'll see the same happy faces every day, who are on hand to answer any questions and to make sure your accommodations are just how you like them.   

You're Going to be Busy

I'm not going to lie, the sheer volume of onboard activities, entertainment, shopping, and dining options was a little overwhelming. We didn't know which activity to pick first! Pacific Adventure's roster of activities is designed to keep all ages entertained for just about every minute of the day. You can start your morning with a yummy breakfast from the Waterfront Restaurant, followed by a morning swim at the new Byron Bay Beach Club (exclusive to suite guests), a massage at Elemis at Sea, yum cha at Dragon Lady, gin tasting at Luke's Bar, pilates for the overzealous, a dinner of Italy's finest dishes at Trattoria, and finally a world-class cabaret at Blanc De Blanc Uncorked. 

And that's just for the adults!

A Kids' Playground on Water 

If you ask my 8-year-old what the highlight of the whole cruise was, he will say it was a close tie between the kids' club and the arcade. My 4-year-old was more taken with the dessert bar in The Pantry.

You can banish thoughts of Are we there yet? whinging on this type of family holiday because cruises are the ultimate kid-approved floating playground. When booking a cruise in winter, we were prepared for a few hiccups with the weather. Unfortunately, the cool temps and rainy weather meant we couldn't venture off the boat for shore excursions on this particular cruise, but luckily, Pacific Adventure more than makes up for any rainy-day blunders. Kids and kids-at-heart are catered to from sun up to sun down with pools, waterslides, laser tag, ziplines, movies, basketball, deck activities, dance parties, and the list goes on and on.  
 

There are three kids' clubs on board, which are split into age-appropriate groups: Turtle Cove (2-5), Shark Shack (6-9), HQ (10-13) and HQ+ (10-17), with daily activities that range from arts and crafts to video games, pizza making, basketball, puppetry, and more. If you're keen to take in a few adults-only shows while on board (highly recommended!), the kids' clubs are open until 9.30 pm and even offer after-hours sitting for $12 per hour.

Expect your little ones to make friends, learn new skills, and maybe even forget you exist for a couple of hours. Bliss! Kids' club tip: make sure you book the kids in early on the days they want to visit—the kids' clubs get booked out very quickly!
 

If your kids have decided they're too cool for the kids' club, they will find loads of other entertainment on board. An arcade at sea? Why not! The Level Up Arcade (Deck 5) is a neon wonderland of claw machines, car racing, and VR technologies for gaming enthusiasts. Tip: make sure you set a budget—each game is charged on a per-play basis so your money can disappear faster than a claw machine can drop a stuffed teddy. 
 

And as for the pools—simply take your pick! The two main pools on Deck 14 are where all the action is happening, and the Family Pool Area on Deck 15 is a cool spot to swim while watching family movies on the big screen—yes, you can order cocktails at the same time! Or for those with a sweet tooth, stop off at the New Zealand Ice Cream parlour (Deck 14) for some yummy scoops. 
 

When there are over 3,000 guests on board, it's not surprising that areas can get a little crowded, particularly around the pool areas. We found a slice of zen away from the crowds at the Byron Beach Club where plush sunloungers are plentiful and the pool is almost empty. This little oasis on Deck 16 is exclusive to suite guests who can relax the day away in their own private cabanas in between taking a dip in the pool or the spas. They've also got jumbo Jenga and Connect 4 games for the kids. Feeling peckish? You can order a selection of meals such as pizzas or burgers from Luke's Burger Bar (recommended!) and have them delivered to your cabana—sublime! 
 

Prepare to be Wined and Dined

I wasn't expecting a gourmet experience on board a cruise ship, but we were pleasantly surprised with how tasty the food was. There are 18 dining options to choose from, ranging from fuss-free eats at The Pantry to poolside burgers at Luke's Burger Bar, moreish Italian at Trattoria, and the creme-de-la-creme at Luke's Bar & Grill (bookings required). 

The Pantry was our go-to for most of the trip because we have a couple of fussy eaters in our household who never like anything, but kept on asking to go back to The Pantry every chance they got. Luckily, The Pantry is open pretty much around the clock and serves dishes to suit all tastes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a food-court-style restaurant (so long buffets!). 
 

The culinary highlight of the whole trip was Luke's Bar & Grill. Named after celebrity chef Luke Mangan, Luke's Bar & Grill offers a taste of fine dining on the high seas. Think white tablecloths, soft lighting, wine pairings, and the freshest oysters you've ever tasted. Menu tip: save room for the crème brulée—you won't regret it! 
 

If you manage to steal a few hours to yourself while the kids are at the kids' club, the adults-only Oasis Bar next to the adults-only pool serves killer cocktails! And for coffee fans looking for a robust flat white, we found excellent ones at both the Avalon Cafe (Deck 5) and New Zealand Ice Cream (Deck 14).  

Don't Miss the Shows

One thing is for sure: P&O Adventure knows how to entertain the crowds! Theatre, cabaret, comedy, live music—there is a huge lineup of daily and nightly live entertainment at your fingertips, and the talent is incredible. 

Whether you're a sucker for a fabulous theme night, can tear up any dance floor, or love being swooned by an acoustic maestro, there is a live show to take your fancy. While we didn't get a chance to hit the dance floor at the Altitude Nightclub (Deck 18), we did get sweaty at the steamy adults-only Blanc de Blanc Uncorked on our last night on board. The Parisian-inspired cabaret is a sexy circus of talented singers, dancers, and contortionists who will have you laughing, squirming, and sweating in your seats with their infectiously playful production that's the most fun you can have with your clothes on—but will they stay on?! 

Cruising Tips From a First-Time Cruiser

 

So, after experiencing our first cruise, would we go cruising again? Absolutely! There's so much to love about life onboard—from the food to the many (many!) activities, amazing shows, and not having to worry about planning your day at all, there's a feeling of exhilaration offered on a cruise.

Here are some cruising tips from a first-time cruiser on board P&O Pacific Adventure: 

Read the P&O Good Times—the daily newsletter gets delivered to your door every morning and lists all the activities on board that day.   

Download the P&O App—large ships can be super confusing! We found the P&O App useful for questions like restaurant hours, kids' club opening times, and where everything is on the boat. The app also keeps a daily track of any 'extras' you buy not included in your fare such as ice creams, cappuccinos from the cafes, and all those yummy cocktails. 

Switch your phone to Aeroplane Mode—unless you want to be charged for international roaming once you cross over into high seas, you'd best switch to Aeroplane Mode. The Wi-Fi onboard is easy to access and keeps you connected throughout the trip. 

Visit the medic for sea sickness tablets—I was surprised by how bumpy a ship can feel, which isn't pleasant for those of us prone to motion sickness. I recommend visiting the Medical Centre (Deck 4)—their sea sickness tablets worked wonders. 

No need to pack light—our mini-suite had ample cupboard and hanging space, plus extra room to store three large suitcases.  

Don't bring any money—your room key is your currency on board a cruise ship, so you won't need to bring any money or even a bank card to pay for extras. Simply swipe your room key and go!

Keen to Book Your Next Cruise?

In early 2025 P&O's Pacific Adventure, along with Pacific Encounter, will be integrating into the Carnival Fleet, becoming Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter.

While sailing under new names both ships will continue to offer the same great holiday experience.

Voyages from now until 2026 are available to book via P&O Cruises.

More Family Holiday Ideas

Oh Buoy! The Best Cruises for Families in 2024
Bali With the Family: Should You Choose a Resort or Villa?
Sri Lanka is One of Asia's Best-Kept Secrets for Adventurous Families

 

Have you signed up to our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!