p&o island hopper cruise review

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Pacific Aria - Pacific Island Hopper

Karen's Rating

Find more P&O - Pacific Aria Cruise Reviews

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Pacific Island Hopper

Get stuck on a deserted island.

Nothing says 'tropical holiday' like island hopping from one tropical destination to the next, and when it comes to the Pacific Islands, we do it best!

There's the Frenchy-chic vibe of Noumea, the ancient culture of Lifou and the Caribbean atmosphere in Vila. Oh, and the beaches...we'd never forget the beaches!

Photo courtesy of Mary D Enterprises

What's Included

Note: Charges/supplements apply for specialty dining, drinks, and select activities, entertainment, and meals.

• CruiseMapper
• P&O Cruises

Pacific Encounter

Former name: star princess.

Cruise line P&O Australia (P&O Cruises)

• Brisbane (Queensland Australia)

Pacific Encounter current position

Pacific Encounter current location is at East Australia (coordinates -27.38021 S / 153.15884 E) cruising en route to BRISBANE. The AIS position was reported 6 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Pacific Encounter

Pacific Encounter current cruise is 14 days, round-trip Bounty Adventure . The itinerary starts on 13 Jul, 2024 and ends on 27 Jul, 2024 .

Specifications of Pacific Encounter

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Pacific Encounter Itineraries

Pacific encounter review, review of pacific encounter.

The 2002-built (as Star Princess) cruise ship Pacific Encounter is the 3rd Grand-Class vessel constructed for Princess Cruises , with sisterships Crown , Diamond , Caribbean , Grand , Emerald , Ruby , Golden (Pacific Adventure since 2020) and Sapphire .

The vessel (IMO number 9192363) is currently UK- flagged (MMSI 232032840) and registered in Southampton .

In 2018, Princess announced that Golden Princess and Star Princess will be transferred to the P&O Australia fleet in 2021 and renamed, respectively, "Pacific Adventure" and "Pacific Encounter". The vessels' transfer was officially confirmed on October 21, 2020. Star Princess as Pacific Encounter started operations for P&O AU in November 2021 after a scheduled drydock refurbishment . In 2020, Golden Princess (as Pacific Adventure) already joined the P&O AU's fleet.

Princess Cruises' Star Princess was Bermuda-flagged (MMSI 310361000) and registered in Hamilton .

In May 2023 was announced that Princess Cruises' second SPHERE-class ship will be named Star Princess , joining the fleet in August 2025.

IMPORTANT : In May 2024, Carnival Corporation announced that terminates P&O Cruises Australia's operations and discontinues the brand in 2025. Pacific Explorer will be retired in February 2025 (sold or scrapped). Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure will remain based in Australia but will be transferred to CCL-Carnival Cruise Line and renamed. Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter in March 2025 will be taken out of service (for unscheduled drydocking) and after April will be operated by CCL. The other Carnival Australia ship is Carnival Splendor (year-round homeported in Sydney NSW).

History - construction and ownership

P&O Cruises  is a subsidiary company and two brands owned by Carnival Corporation - P&O UK and P&O Australia. In 2000, P&O Cruises became subsidiary of P&O Princess Cruises, which merged with Carnival Corporation in 2003. P and O is the world's oldest cruise company, starting passenger shipping operations in 1822 on the routes connecting England with Iberia.

The 2600-passenger ship Pacific Encounter/Star Princess is relatively big for the Australian source market, with a wide diversity (for its size) onboard facilities and still providing a traditional cruising experience. During drydock 2008, Star Princess received several new facilities, including the Piazza (energetic amusement space), bakery, Internet Cafe, wine bar, sushi bar, The Sanctuary (adults-only zone with padded lounges and shaded places), Crown Grill (complimentary eatery with seafood and steakhouse fare), 7 Suites (with walk-in closets and spa tub bathrooms). The Retail shopping area was redesigned, with Essence Shop (relocated to deck 7 and doubled in size) and Meridian Bay Shop (on deck 6, replacing Essence Shop).

Decks and Cabins

Pacific Encounter staterooms (1298 total, in 34 categories) include 205x Suites, 515x Balconies, 212x Oceanviews and 366x Inside, including 25x wheelchair-accessible. Most cabins are sized 160-190 ft2 (15-18 m2), with cabin balconies sized 45-90 ft2 (4-8 m2). Nearly 80% of all outside staterooms are with private step-out balconies. The largest accommodation is the Grand Suite (615 ft2 / 57 m2, with terrace sized 115 ft2 / 11 m2).

The boat has 16 decks , of which 14 are passenger-accessible and 7 with cabins.

Review/Shipboard facilities and amenities

Deck 4 houses all staff/crew cabins, the ship's Tender Embarkation/Disembarkation areas and the Infirmary/Hospital/Medical Center (served by resident physicians and nurses on 24-hour call duty).

Deck 5 houses The Piazza Atrium (3-decks high, with a stage for live performances), and the Lobby Hall (Lobby Lounge, Destination Lounge/Shore Excursions and Tours) served by Lilly's Bar, Charlie's Bar and Avalon Cafe. Deck 5 is the lower level of P&O Retail (duty-free shopping complex spreading on 3 floors/5-6-7) and aft are the Fine Arts Gallery and the Waterfront Restaurant.

Waterfront is a complimentary Dining Room open for breakfast (7:30-9:30 am), lunch (12-1 pm) and dinner (5-9 pm). For lunch expect salads, soups, pasta, chicken pho, wraps, sandwiches, burgers, fish, cheesecake, pies, fresh fruit, and cheese plates. Dinner menu includes seared ahi tuna, ocean trout, lamb shanks, pork chops, chili chicken wings, vegetable moussaka, curry, ravioli, salads, pavlova, chocolate rolls, trifle, fruit and cheese plates.

Deck 6 houses Marquee Theatre (2-floor main show lounge for large-scale evening music and show productions, daily trivia games, bingo sessions, game shows, culinary demonstrations, various workshops, seminars, kids' talent shows), the Casino (gaming lounge with slot machines and gambling tables, served by its own Bar, also hosts Texas Hold'em tournaments and Pokies tournaments) and The Bonded Store. Deck 6's Atrium houses the Reception/Guest Services Desk (24-hour passenger services and assistance), Level UP Arcade (games room), Life Photo Studio (B&W photos/portraits studio sessions)), Shops. The Bonded Store is a bar lounge with a signature cocktails menu (via a partnership with Archie Rose Distilling Co) where are hosted themed whisky- and gin-making classes and tasting events.

Midship on Deck 6 is the Angelo's Restaurant (complimentary Dining Room) for Italian cuisine and specialties like slow-cooked pork neck, veal shank ragout, fontina, and pumpkin arancini balls, osso bucco, seafood cacciucco, pan-fried gnocchi and sweets like crispy cannoli. Bookings for dinner can be made at the Reception Desk.

Aft on Deck 6 is the Dragon Lady (Asian restaurant) with an origami-folded menu and non-alcoholic welcome shooters. Dishes are designed to be shared banquet-style, such as Indian spiced duck samosas, Vietnamese rice paper rolls, Chinese dumplings, Japanese tempura-crusted sushi rolls, barramundi green curry, honey prawns, chicken satay sticks. Desserts include mango and sticky coconut rice, a jar of apple caramel milkshake, salted dark chocolate cake with sesame ice cream. Dinner bookings are made at the Reception Desk.

Deck 7 houses the Promenade (fore-located outdoor/open-air deck space for walking/strolling), Marquee Theater's upper level (2 of 2), the Ocean Front Bar (Atrium bar with lounge seating, dance floor, a stage for live performances; hosts art auctions), Shops, IMAGES Photo Gallery, Luke's Bar & Grill, Noosa Room, Encounter Hotel (piano bar/English pub), Blue Room (Lounge & Bar), 400 Gradi (pizzeria), Black Circus Theatre (show lounge and bar).

• Luke's Bar & Grill (Luke Mangan Restaurant) is a fast food bar (with a takeaway option) serving burgers, hotdogs, chicken wings, kebabs, fries, prawns. Food is not free, but the prices are reasonable. Wine and beer are also offered. Luke's Bar also functions as a specialty restaurant for lunch and dinner. Luke's Restaurant offers signature Luke Mangan dishes, like Kingfish Sashimi and licorice parfait, Barramundi for two, Kitchen beef slider.
• Encounter Hotel is a daily piano bar /evening English pub bar with comfortable seating, dance floor, stage for live performances, fine alcohol and craft beers.
• Blue Room is an Atrium Lounge & Bar with a dance floor and live music entertainment, nightly transforms into a disco club with DJ programming. The lounge is served by its own piano bar. The late-night blues session named Blues@Blue features several very talented musicians getting together for a 1-hour-long jam, rotating with excellent guitarists and different singers.
• 400 Gradi (Neapolitan pizzeria by chef Johnny Di Francesco) is open for Lunch (between 12-1:30 pm) and Dinner (between 6-11 pm). Many passengers prefer takeaway pizzas to eat elsewhere or get these delivered to the cabin via room service.
• Black Circus Theatre is an entertainment lounge with a stage for performances (by guest comedians, singers, illusionists, cabaret-style performances) and has its own full-service Bar. Intended for cabaret performances, the venue has a supper club vibe but there are no full-size tables to eat supper, so it's basically a theatre with rows of seats along with ledges to place drinks. During the day, the lounge is used for kids' TC&Skipper's Island Adventure Show, The Edge's laser tag gaming and as Cinema/early evening movies.
• Noosa Room doubles as Conference Center/Meeting Room and Wedding Chapel.

Deck 14 houses the Navigation Bridge/Wheelhouse, midship pool deck area (2x swimming pools - Main Pool and Family Pool), 4x Jacuzzies/hot tubs, a band stage. The Family Pool deck is served by Magrodome Bar. The Main Pool deck is served by Grandi Pronto (Pizza Bar), Luke's Burger Bar (premium beef and pulled pork burgers, seafood rolls), Pool Bar (beverages) and Ice Cream Bar (serving complimentary New Zealand Natural Ice Cream).

Also on Deck 14 are The Pantry and the Oasis Pool Deck.

• The Pantry is the ship’s self-service buffet restaurant/marketplace with 9 fresh food outlets. The restaurant is complimentary and open for Breakfast (between 6:30-11:30 am), Lunch (11:30 am – 3:30 pm) or British Pub Lunch (11:30-1:30 pm /on selected days) and Dinner (5:30-11 pm). The buffet has its own bar for drinks, a stage for live performances, and a dance floor. At lunch and dinner, the food outlets include McGregor's Garden (salads), Stix (stir fry), Mexicana (tacos and burritos), Curry House, Hook's (fish-and-chips), Nic & Toni's (Italian), Fat Cow (carvery), Kettle & Bun (soups and sandwiches), and Sugar Bar (desserts). In the evenings, a 10th venue (Shell & Bones) opens as an a la carte priced restaurant. A kids' dinner for children between 3 and 10 years is held at 4:15 pm daily, with highchairs available upon request.
• The Oasis Bar is a poolside bar serving the Oasis Pool (swimming pool aft on deck 12) and the Oasis Sundeck (adults-only sunbathing area aft on deck 14).

Forward on Deck 15 is the ship's wellness complex (Elemis SPA) that groups the facilities Byron Beach Pool, 2x Jacuzzies/Whirlpools, Fitness Center with F45 Fitness Studio (Aerobics Room for classes), Thermal Suite, Rasul (steam and mud room), Elemis Day Spa, 2x Saunas, Treatments Rooms (for massages), Beauty Salon and Barbers (manicure/pedicure/hair/nail/barber services), and Bondi Bar & Lounge. Complimentary water aerobics is also available.

Aft on Deck 15 is the Youth Center & Lounge with two Outdoor Play Areas (one with a Paddling Pool). Kids & Teen Centers Turtle Cove & Shark Shack are dedicated to children and teenagers club facilities for age-appropriate and supervised daily activities (sports competitions, dance classes, treasure hunts, themed parties, computers, gaming consoles, big HDTVs, foosball tables). A Sony PlayStation VR Room is situated in HQ.

Midship on Deck 15 is the Big Screen - an outdoor cinema with a huge LED screen. Complimentary popcorn-cookies-milk are offered during the evening projections under the stars. Deck 15's sundeck is served with beverages by the Sky Bar.

Forward on Deck 16 is the Byron Beach Club - an adults-only, open-air sundeck/relaxation area with 1x Swimming Pool, 2x Outdoor Hot Tubs (Jacuzzies), sunbathing area (with padded chaise lounges), steward service (light meals), direct access to Elemis Spa Pool (forward on deck 15 below) and private outdoor cabanas (with spa massages). Charges per person apply. Also on Deck 16 is the Youth Center's upper level (outdoor playground with a Hot Tub and Paddling Pool).

Deck 17 houses the Magra Dome (sliding glass roof over deck 15's pool area), The Lawn (barefoot lawn bowling green, putting green/mini-golf course, Golf Net), the P&O Edge facilities (outdoor sports activities area), and the Waterslide (entry-level). The aft-located relaxation area is a sundeck fitted with 1x Swimming Pool, 1x Splash Pool, 1x jacuzzi/Hot Tub, deck games area (Giant Chess, Shuffleboard) and is served by the Sunset Bar.

During drydock 2023 refurbishment, on Deck 17 were installed the Twin-Racer waterslide (length 142 m / 466 ft, height 16 m / 53 ft) and the P&O Edge Adventure Park. P&O Edge facilities include a Zipline (length 55 m / 180 ft), Cargo Net, Walk the Plank, Beam Walk, and a Rock Climbing Wall. P&O Edge is positioned ~10 m / 33 ft above Deck 16. The waterslides are dual-racing (with several twists, and turns) and feature LED lights and sound effects. The aquapark has a separate shaded area for kids (outdoor playground) equipped with a dumping bucket and oversized water toys.

Aft on Deck 18 is the Sports Court (multi-sports combined court for playing basketball, volleyball, football). Deck 18 also houses The Walkway (Walking/Jogging Track with 2 scenic Walkways) and the Altitude Nightclub (Disco Lounge with a full-service Bar and DJ programming in the evenings. During the day, Altitude Nightclub doubles as an observation lounge. The Altitude is accessed via two elevators and also via stairs from The Oasis (adults-only sundeck/swimming pool relaxation area located aft on deck 16 below).

Itineraries

Star Princess's itinerary program was based on roundtrips from USA-California homeports ( San Francisco and Los Angeles/Long Beach ) to Hawaii, Baja Mexico, Alaska, alternating seasonally.

Pacific Encounter's inaugural for P&O season started with the Maiden Voyage on October 2, 2021. Previously, for the boat was scheduled a 15-night "Southeast Asia and Australia" (repositioning itinerary) from Singapore (drydock location) to Brisbane (homeport). The next two start dates were in 2022 - March 8th (4-day "Whitsundays Cruise" to Airlie Beach) and May 28th (7-day Barrier Reef Discovery), both Brisbane roundtrips, but were also canceled.

Eventually, the Maiden Voyage was rescheduled for August 27, 2022 (7-day "Barrier Reef Discovery" roundtrip from Brisbane to Airlie Beach, Cairns, Willis Island).

The Brisbane-homeported Pacific Encounter visits ports in Australia (including Great Barrier Reef ) and South Pacific Islands (New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, Papua New Guinea). The itineraries are themed "Barrier Reef Discovery" (7-night), "Pacific Island Hopper" (7-night), the themed "Comedy Cruise" (4-night cruise to nowhere ), "Whitsundays Cruise" (4-night to Airlie Beach QLD ).

Photos of Pacific Encounter

Pacific Encounter ship related cruise news

Carnival Corporation retires P&O Australia brand

The world's largest cruise shipowner Carnival Corporation has announced the discontinuation of its Australian brand P&O Australia in a strategic...

P&O Australia ship Pacific Encounter rescues sailors off New Caledonia

A P&O Australia vessel (Pacific Encounter) successfully conducted a rescue operation to assist 3 stranded sailors off New Caledonia on Saturday...

P&O Australia’s cruise ship Pacific Encounter to be drydock-refurbished in Singapore

P&O Australia’s ship Pacific Encounter on Monday, January 30th, became the fleet's first to visit Darwin since the restart of cruising...

P&O Australia signs 5-year contract with Harding UK (Travel Retail)

P&O Australia and Harding Retail agreed to extend their 13-year partnership, which will see the group manage all onboard retail concessions on P...

P&O Australia’s cruise ship Pacific Encounter arrives in homeport Brisbane QLD

P&O Australia’s ship Pacific Encounter arrived in Brisbane (Queensland Australia) on Saturday, August 20, where she will be homeported year...

P&O Australia's ship Pacific Encounter sails into Sydney NSW

Pacific Encounter, the latest addition to P&O Australia's fleet to continue the revival of the country’s $5 billion a year cruise industry...

P&O Australia’s Pacific Encounter sailing home after an overnight encounter with sistership Pacific...

P&O Australia’s ship Pacific Encounter is sailing back to Australia following a spectacular overnight encounter with sistership Pacific...

P&O Australia restarts cruising on May 31 with new 2022 program

P&O Cruises Australia flagged its return to cruising at the end of May 2022, with the launch of a new homeporting program from Adelaide, Brisbane...

P&O Australia and CCL-Carnival cancel 15+ cruises until May 28

Cruise companies express further disappointment with the Australian government’s inaction over the return to cruising. P&O Australia and...

P&O Australia extending suspension of cruises through February 14, 2022

Since no green light has been yet received for domestic resumption of cruises, P&O Australia has extended their pause until 2022 - a month-long...

•   show more news

Other P&O Australia cruise ships

• Pacific Adventure
• Pacific Explorer

Pacific Encounter Wiki

The Fincantieri Monfalcone -built Star Princess was christened by godmother Gunilla Antonini - wife of Dr Corrado Antonini (Executive Chairman of the Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri ). The liner started its 26-day Maiden Voyage (Pacific Ocean itinerary) on February 13, 2002. Star was the fleet's first Grand-class vessel, with sisterships Golden (Pacific Adventure) and Grand . The other (similarly-designed) boats from this series are Caribbean , Crown , Diamond , Emerald , Ruby , Sapphire .

Pacific Encounter (Monfalcone shipyard/hull number 6051) is powered by Wartsila-Sulzer marine diesel engines (models 8ZAV40S and 8ZAL40) generating total power output 63,36 MW.

Fun fact is, that earlier there was another vessel with the name "Star Princess"/ Columbus (former "Pacific Pearl" operated by P&O Australia ).

Pacific Encounter refurbishments review

During drydock 2021 (March-April/2-week project at Damen Shipyards Singapore ) the ship's hull and superstructure were repainted.

The ship's 3 restaurants (Angelo’s, Dragon Lady, The Waterfront) were refitted with new carpets and artworks. To The Pantry (lido market) were added 3x Australian fresh food outlets (Stix, Curry House, Kettle & Bun).

The drydocking project included 250+ contractors, 84000+ man-hours, installed new carpeting (~14000 m2 / ~150700 ft2 of carpets), and all the interior was repainted (~5000 m2 / 53800 ft2 of walls and ceilings).

All public spaces were extensively cleaned and renovated.

Also were conducted general maintenance works.

The ship's last drydocking project was conducted in Singapore in 2023 (Feb 6-25). Deck plan changes after refurbishment 2023 included the installation of the Twin-Racer (142-m-long/16-m-high dualing waterslide) and P&O Edge Adventure Park (outdoor activity zone on Deck 16) featuring a 55-m-long Zipline, Cargo Net, Walk the Plank, Beam Walk, Rock Climbing Wall. New venues include Luke’s Bar & Grill, Byron Beach Club (pool deck), 400 Gradi Pizzaria (via partnership with chef Johnny Di Francesco), Black Circus Theatre (main show lounge), F45 Fitness Studio, Altitude (disco nightclub), Encounter Hotel, Bonded Store.

Pacific Encounter inaugural itineraries 2022

The renamed Star Princess/Pacific Encounter was originally planned to start operations for P&O Australia with a 15-day repositioning sailing (from Singapore to Brisbane ) in 2021, followed by the Maiden Voyage from Australia.

Next is the 7-day "Barrier Reef Discovery" itinerary (Maiden Voyage 2021).

However, both voyages were canceled and the ship's inauguration was eventually rescheduled for August 20, 2022.

Next table shows the 7-day "Barrier Reef Discovery" itinerary (Maiden Voyage 2022).

Star Princess itineraries 2020-2021

Star Princess ship's last itinerary for Princess Cruises was planned as a 30-day relocation cruise from Alaska to Asia (Vancouver to Singapore / for drydocking) priced from ~USD 2700 pp. However, this voyage was eventually canceled.

Next tables show the last Star Princess itineraries that were scheduled by Princess Cruises before the transfer to P&O Australia. Prices are in USD (per person) and based on double occupancy.

(2020) 15-days Hawaiian Islands Christmas and New Year cruise ($1300)

(2021) 15-days Hawaiian Islands ($1200)

10-days Baja Peninsula Sea of Cortez ($850)

15-days Hawaiian Islands ($1200)

15-days Hawaiian Islands ($1400)

28-days Hawaii, Tahiti Samoa ($3100)

10-days Baja Peninsula Sea of Cortez ($950)

The last in the Star Princess schedule was the 7-day relocation voyage from Los Angeles to Vancouver ($530 pp).

Star Princess ship review (facilities and amenities, food, drinks, entertainment)

Star Princess' restaurants are open seating. Alternative dinner venues are the reservations-only Sabatini's Italian and Crown Grill (both with cover charge pp). The Lido buffet restaurant is open around the clock.

The Wheelhouse Bar serves a pub lunch, and a grill and pizzeria offer casual snack choices.

The ice cream bars and patisseries charge for premium ice cream and specialty coffees.

A wine bar offers extra-charge artisan cheeses and evening snacks.

Chef's Table and Ultimate Balcony Dining options are also available, as well as Afternoon Tea and room services.

Follows the complete list of Star Princess restaurants and food bars.

• Capri Restaurant (ship's aft Dining Room; dinner only - offers Anytime Dining between 5:30-10 pm)
• Crown Grill (160-seat steakhouse/seafood restaurant, reservations recommended; on select days serves British Pub Lunch, complimentary)
• Portofino Restaurant (ship's forward Dining Room for Breakfast 7-9 am, Lunch 12-1:30 pm, Afternoon Tea 3:30-4:30 p.m.; features Anytime Dining for Dinner between 5:30-8 pm or 8-10 pm)
• Amalfi Restaurant (dinner only aft Dining Room; with 2 fixed seatings at 5:45 pm and 8 pm)
• Sabatini's Restaurant (Italian specialty restaurant; reservations recommended)
• Trident Grill & Prego Pizzeria (self-service, complimentary fast food bar)
• Horizon Court (self-service buffet restaurant, complimentary).

Both the Vista Lounge and Princess Theater can host featured entertainers and production shows, and each of the shows runs several times.

The Princess Theater is more like a Broadway theatre than a cruise-ship typical show lounge. It features same-level orchestra seating, stadium seating behind, as well as a few boxes.

The Vista Lounge is cabaret-style, with chairs grouped around small drink tables and big windows making the room light during the day.

The Explorers Lounge and Wheelhouse Bar are side by side on Promenade Deck. These smaller entertainment venues host karaoke, pianists, dance bands and theme parties, as well as games and trivia during the day.

Follows the complete list of Star Princess lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

• The Piazza Atrium (3-deck open floor area; features live performances entertainment and lobby Bar Piazza)
• Princess Fine Arts Gallery; Photo Gallery & Shop; Platinum Studio
• International Cafe (24-hour specialty coffee bar and patisserie)
• Vines Bar (wine/seafood/sushi bar)
• Library (with Internet stations); Internet Cafe (24-hour)
• Princess Star Theatre (2-level musical and show productions; hosts workshops, seminars, game shows)
• Shooter's Lounge & Bar (smoking lounge and sports bar)
• Vines Shop; Calypso Cove Shop; Essence Shop; Meridian Bay Shop; Facets Shop
• Princess Star Grand Casino
• Crooners Lounge & Bar (live music; also used for seminars); Vista Lounge & Bar
• Explorers Lounge & Bar (disco/show lounge; hosts karaoke, comedy, game shows and art auctions)
• Wheelhouse Bar (piano bar during the day and an English pub nightly)
• Scoops Bar (Sundaes Ice Cream Bar, complimentary)
• Outrigger Bar (poolside bar); Tradewinds Bar
• Star's Lotus Spa complex; Beauty Salon; Fitness Center (with Aerobics Studio)
• Hearts & Minds (Wedding Chapel)
• Movies Under the Stars (LED screen outdoor cinema)
• Video Games Arcade; Teen Center; Youth Center with Paddling Pool and outdoor playing areas
• The Conservatory (recreation area); The Sanctuary (adult-only open-air area); The Oasis relaxation area
• Calypso Reef & Pool area; Neptune's Reef & Pool area
• The Skywalker (Jogging Track); Sports Court (volleyball, basketball, European football); Shuffleboard, Deck Chess; Princess Links mini-golf course
• Skywalkers Disco Nightclub.

Star Princess refurbishment 2017 review

The 15-day drydock refurbishment in 2017 (December 3-15, done in San Francisco CA ) resulted in the following deckplan changes:

All passenger staterooms received new bedding (all beds were replaced with Princess Luxury Bed). Many cabins were made interconnecting. Category MA (Mini-Suite) was changed to M1.

The ship's kids and teen lounges (part of "Camp Discovery") were renovated and updated via a partnership with Discovery Channel (as part of Princess Cruises' complimentary onboard children program "Discovery at Sea").

To the onboard Boutiques (Shops of Princess) were added "Fragrance & Cosmetic" and "Effy Fine Jewelry".

Sabatini's Italian Trattoria (specialty restaurant) was updated with new decor and a new menu (partnership with Chef Angelo Auriana).

The ship's wellness complex (Lotus Spa and Fitness Center) was upgraded with the latest gym equipment.

The Casino Lounge was redesigned and received new carpeting.

Among the other upgrades were new upholstery and carpeting throughout the ship and general maintenance works.

Star Princess' 2017 drydocking was part of Princess Cruises' USD 450 million multi-year fleet renovation program "Come Back New Promise".

P&O Cruises ship collides with oil tanker, injuries reported

A P&O Cruises ship collided with an oil tanker in Spain on Sunday.

The line’s Britannia ship broke from its moorings due to strong wind in Palma de Mallorca, the Balearic Islands Port Authority said on X, formerly Twitter . The collision took place around 11 a.m. local time.

A P&O spokesperson said the vessel was involved in a “weather-related incident,” but did not confirm the collision. A “small number of individuals sustained minor injuries” and received care from the ship’s medical center, the spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

The area saw strong thunderstorms beginning in the late morning on Sunday, with reported wind gusts between 60 and 70 miles per hour, according to AccuWeather.

Britannia visited the port as part of a two-week, round-trip cruise from Southampton, England that departed Aug. 18, according to CruiseMapper . The itinerary also included stops such as Cadiz and Ibiza.

The cruise line’s third-party surveyor confirmed that one of the ship’s lifeboats “sustained structural issues” and could not be repaired onboard, a P&O spokesperson said in a subsequent statement. Maritime regulation required that the ship return to Southampton with fewer people.

“A limited number of guests and crew on board have been advised that they will be leaving the ship and will be returned to Southampton (or their starting point) by flight and transfer,” the spokesperson said. “The guests remaining on board will be able to enjoy the entertainment and activities scheduled for the remainder of their trip."

Guests who were asked to leave will get a pro-rata refund of their fare for the days they missed and a 20% cruise discount to be used in the future.

The collision left a hole in the oil tanker’s hull but did not cause any discharge into the water, the Balearic Islands Port Authority said.

Cruise ship medical facilities: What happens if you get sick or injured (or bitten by a monkey)

The incident comes just weeks after Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2 ship broke from its moorings in Italy due to strong winds this month. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Prima was also blown from its mooring ropes due to unexpectedly strong side winds in Belgium earlier this summer.

Stewart Chiron, a cruise industry expert known as The Cruise Guy, told USA TODAY in July that those types of incidents are “very rare” but have occurred in extreme weather.

Weather conditions at each port are monitored for safety before arrival, he added. “The cruise lines are always assessing these matters and mitigating the risks,” Chiron said in an email at the time. “If it's (deemed) unsafe, they take appropriate action so passengers can focus on their vacations. Unfortunately, they don't control the weather.”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].