Pacific Adventure Ship Review
The Walking Critic | 4-day Cruise | Sydney to Sydney | September 2024
Before I toss myself into the deep end of this review, it is important that I preface it with some key points.
Firstly, I had just attended the largest cruise industry conference in Australia for 2025, which happened to be in Sydney [15 September 2024]. This annual gathering is known as Cruise 360 and was attended by over 800 of the top guns in the cruise business. Make that 801 if you include me :)
However, this event was also attended by a huge number of staff from many of the biggest cruise lines, including P&O Cruises.
As fate would have it, I had purposely booked a 4-day cruise on the Pacific Adventure, as it perfectly coincided with this conference and departed from Darling Harbour. This was one of the three P&O Cruises ships in the fleet. Luckily, the gap between the two events was only a handful of days.
To round off my rather long lead in, five months previously, on 19 April 2024 to be specific, I had conducted a P&O ship inspection of the Pacific Explorer, whilst it overnighted in Fremantle, Western Australia. In short, I was primed for my cruise with a wealth of firsthand P&O trade information and experience. Let’s just say, I kind of knew what to expect before I boarded.
Built in 2001, the Pacific Adventure began its life as the Golden Princess under Princess Cruises, before it was transitioned to P&O in 2021. And for those that don’t know, here’s a great Trivial Pursuit fact: Princess Cruises happens to by owned by Carnival Cruises, which also happens to P&O, Cunard, Holland America, Royal Caribbean and Seabourn. They did own even more cruise lines before COVID-19, after which they off-loaded Azamara Cruises to a bunch of wealthy American investors.
Before hitting the water again under its now P&O brand, the Pacific Adventure went through a multimillion-dollar refit to include 5 new cabins, an adult-only lounge and a super sprawling recreation park. The focus was spun towards entertainment: a pool-side move screen, live shows, themed parties (white party and Gatsby night), rock climbing, zip-lines, water slides, laser tag and much more.
Cruise Line: Carnival Cruises (from March 2025 – formerly P&O Cruises Australia)
Ship Type: Cruise Ship
Line Class: Mainstream
Former Name: Golden Princess
Registry: England
Year Built: 2001
Year Last Refurbished: 2021
Capacity: 2,636 passengers
Decks: 14
Gross Tonnage: 108,865
Length: 951 ft
Beam: 118 ft
Average Speed: 22 knots
Inside Cabins: 372
Outside Cabins: 946
Nationality of Officers: British, Italian
Nationality of Crew: International
Number of Crew: 1,100
As with most ports, there are no luggage trolleys, which means you have no alternative but to waddle quite a distance between the taxi and the bag drop off point. This is annoying, even for someone like me that is relatively fit. It required a burst of relay runs from curb to building, before my task was complete.
Next was the baggage tag situation. I had printed out my tags before departure and now I had to find someone with a stapler, so I could affix them to the bags. This was actually quite easy, thanks to a dedicated group of port staff helping everyone else with the same problem.
With military precision, you are nudged and sucked into the system, even with really bad, stapled origami tags. Baggage handlers gesticulated and motioned you on. They were like tree loppers feeding suitcases into a vortex. You just had to accept the outcome: your bags would eventually be in your room…sometime.
Having dispensed with the heavy uploading, I started to relax as we climbed the escalator to the first floor. As with any international travel, you know there are more formalities to go through…and big lines! But the whole process was seamless made better by some really lovely staff.
Your face photo is taken on an iPad. You declare you are not sick with COVID (in our instance showing photographic evidence of a self-administered negative test from an iPhone). Like lemmings, you join the rank and file of other passengers, as they clear customs and security. You barely have time to blink an eye, before you suddenly find yourself teleported onto the gangplank, about to board the ship. It is from here that you get your first close-up glimpse of the Quantum of the Seas and how genuinely enormous she is.
And it is also from these bottlenecked confines that you are commercially assaulted for the first time.
If you were in the military, being trapped on a gangway is not a good position to be. You are exposed to attack from everywhere with to place to run, backwards, forwards or sideways. With calculated precision, the first ambush on your wallet begins from strategically placed teams of photographers, goading you into their web! A digital snap and memory…at a cost of course.
Make no bones about it. Everywhere you turn and go, RCI (Royal Caribbean International) wants your money! Photos, food, drinks, games. It is a well-oiled business model to extract everything from you, even before you step on board!
I had booked an Ocean Balcony cabin on the left hand (port) side of Deck 8 and I was not disappointed with it at all. The colours were unsurprisingly maritime in tone, with dark aqua blue fabrics on the couch and bed pelmet. The carpet was a sandy umber-brown wash with light streaks that looked like rake marks in the pattern.
A desk with mounted plug board on the wall was fantastic, especially since I was lugging my big iMac Desktop computer on this journey. With a lot of time at sea and a business to run, this was categorically my most valuable travelling companion. I paid premium for WIFI connectivity, as a result. To the side of the desk were even more drawers that I mostly used to house paperwork, receipts, cables and other nicknacks
The one thing that really struck me most was the storage space. I still reflect back on how great this was, with overhead cupboards above the couch and bed areas. You could not want for more. I loved being able to unpack my suitcase and have clothing in normal folded stacks.
The bathroom was a continuum of brown and neutral colours with plenty of overhead lighting. The shower had elliptical glass walls and door, making the room feel even more spacious. The sink was large and long. The floor had dark brown, subway tiles.
Three small square hanging shelves to the right of the mirror provided minimal space for toiletries, but at least it was something. A white bathmat, face cloth and towels were provided with the cabin.
Mystery Island: The Place Where Even Google Needs a Map
Welcome to Mystery Island, a destination so mysterious, even the locals have a hard time remembering where it is. Nestled in the South Pacific, this little slice of paradise on the Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas itinerary is as charming as it is delightfully unpredictable. Think of it as a tropical hideaway where the only thing more mysterious than its name is how the island manages to stay so stunningly beautiful while being so remote.
Let’s start with the beach. The sand here is softer than your aunt’s homemade cookies, and the water? It’s the color of your dreams, but somehow more vibrant than that. Picture this: you wade into the clear, warm waters and immediately feel like you’re in a postcard. Seriously, even your selfie will look better in this lighting. You can swim, snorkel, or just float aimlessly like you're auditioning for a beach commercial.
Now, if you're feeling adventurous (or a little daring), you can grab a kayak or try out some stand-up paddleboarding. If you're like me and have absolutely zero balance, just know that the ocean here is really forgiving. You’ll likely end up in the water at some point, but the good news is the ocean looks so nice you won't even care.
The best part about Mystery Island? There’s basically no Wi-Fi, which means you’ll have to make do with... human interaction! Gasp! You might actually have to talk to people instead of scrolling through Instagram. But don’t worry, there are plenty of friendly locals and crew members to help you navigate the island’s few quaint shops, food stands, and those irresistible coconut drinks.
So, if you're looking for a place that’s beautiful, chill, and possibly slightly mysterious (but in the good way), Mystery Island will leave you wondering why you ever wanted to leave the ship in the first place.
Vanuatu: Where the Journey to Shore Is Almost as Fun as the Destination
Vanuatu—a beautiful paradise in the Pacific, where the waters are crystal clear, the locals are friendly, and getting there... well, getting there is an adventure in itself.
When you dock in Vanuatu on the Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas, don't expect a simple stroll to the shore. Nope, you'll be hopping onto the lifeboat tenders, small boats that ferry you between the ship and the island. It's kind of like playing "Survivor," but with more life jackets and less sand. These tenders will bob you along the waves, and you’ll be holding on for dear life, all while wondering if you should've worn a waterproof cape for dramatic effect. But don’t worry, you’ll survive the ride and end up on solid ground… eventually.
Once you’re safely ashore (phew!), the real adventure begins. There are excursions galore, and one of the most memorable is a visit to Keamu Village. This charming village offers a peek into local life, where you can interact with the friendly villagers and even witness some traditional dances and cultural performances. It’s like stepping into a postcard, but with better food and way more smiles.
For those who want to get their heart racing, you can sign up for a zip line tour through the lush rainforest or take a boat ride to explore hidden caves and pristine beaches. Snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters will have you pretending you’re in a nature documentary, surrounded by colorful fish and tropical coral.
And yes, there’s also the volcano tour—because nothing says "vacation" quite like standing near the edge of an active volcano. Don’t worry, they’ll make sure you're well-prepared to see Mother Nature at her most dramatic, but with a little less molten lava.
But no matter what tour you choose, you’ll still have to face the lifeboat tender ride back to the ship. By now, you’ll be a pro, bobbing through the waves with the confidence of a seasoned adventurer.
So whether you're getting up close with the culture in Keamu Village or zooming through the jungle on a zip line, Vanuatu offers up an unforgettable adventure. And just think—without those tenders, you wouldn’t get to brag about your "thrilling" boat ride back to the ship!
My last minute booking on the Quantum of the Seas precluded me from getting to try every dining venue, but I did get to sample the majority of them.
FREE FLOW - 10am to 6pm
Selected tea, coffee, soft drinks, ice cream, snacks, cookies and fruits
AFTERNOON SPECIAL - 3pm to 5pm
Afternoon snacks & finger food
COCKTAIL HOUR - 5pm to 6pm
Selected free-flow alcoholic drinks, including house wine, local sprits and cocktails.
This buffet is where calories come to dance. It's a never-ending parade of food, from pizza to sushi (yes, really), to satisfy your every whim. The food's decent, but the real entertainment is watching people pile food onto plates like they're trying to feed a family of 12. Expect great variety and even greater confusion on where to start. Pro tip: don't skip the desserts-your waistline might thank you later, but your inner sweet tooth definitely won't.
Izumi is the Japanese speciality restaurant onboard the Quantum of the Seas and indeed most Royal Caribbean ships, since it was first trialled on the Oasis of the Seas.
Izumi has a prominent location midship on Deck 5 in the heart of the Royal Esplanade. It is straddled by two other ship heroes like the Schooner Bar and Wonderland. But as far as restaurants go, it is not very secluded, quiet or intimate. You might as well be dining in the middle of a shopping centre, as the foot traffic was constant.
Despite making a dinner reservation, we were shunted to the furthest table possible. If we went any further back, we’d have fallen over the balcony into the lap of Sorrentos Café below!
The menu is very much all about sushi with prices varying between $8 for signature rolls and up to $16 for the Chef’s Signature Rolls.
Jamie Oliver's brainchild on the high seas. If you're looking for a cozy Italian meal without the risk of spilling sauce on your lap in public, this is your place. The pasta is fresh, the atmosphere is cheeky, and you'll definitely leave with more carbs than you've ever legally consumed. The best part? It's all so good, you'll forgive them for not having actual Italians working there.
Ah, Chops Grille. Where the steak is so good you'll wonder why you ever thought about becoming a vegetarian. It's classic American steakhouse vibes, but with a price tag that makes you feel fancy and slightly guilty. The meat? Perfect. The sides? Exactly what your mom would've made if she had a million-dollar kitchen. The wine list is a true voyage of its own; no, you can't pronounce half of them, but you'll drink them anyway.
Café@two70 was one of my go-to places to get my morning coffee. I don’t function well without a large cappuccino to start my day. Located on Deck 5, next to the huge Two70 Theatre, it is bright and open with black and white tiling, synonymous with style and opulence since ancient Roman days. The wall art is fun and chic, a giant backdrop mural of sketched pots and pans, decanters, jars and mixing bowls.
Café@two70 does offer a variety of menus throughout the day. I never had the urge to do more than grab a coffee on the fly, but it did offer egg and pressed sandwiches, as well as pastries and fresh fruit.
If you’re looking for an action-packed cruise, the Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas has a menu of activities that’ll make you feel like a child again—except with better snacks and fancier sunscreen. First, let’s talk about the NorthStar. This thing’s basically a glass bubble on a stick that takes you 300 feet above the ocean for jaw-dropping views. It’s like a Ferris wheel, but for people who are too cool for regular amusement parks. Perfect for that dramatic "I’m on top of the world" selfie.
Next up, for the adrenaline junkie in all of us, we’ve got the FlowRider, also known as the wave-riding simulator. Warning: You will wipe out. A lot. But hey, it’s all about looking confident while you’re being splashed around by a man-made tsunami, right?
For those who prefer their adrenaline with a side of bumper cars, get ready to smash into fellow passengers in the Dodgem Cars. Yes, there’s an actual bumper car rink on board. It’s like a carnival, but with fewer clowns and more vacation vibes.
Feeling ambitious? Try the rock climbing wall—because nothing says “I’m living my best life” like trying to scale a wall while 10-year-olds race past you like they're Spider-Man.
If you're a teenager (or an adult who refuses to grow up), check out the ping pong tables or video games in the arcade. Whether you’re perfecting your backhand or going head-to-head in some friendly competition, you’ll have plenty to do while avoiding eye contact with your parents.
For the little ones, don’t worry, they’re having a blast in the Kids Club. While you’re zipping around the ship doing your best action hero impression, your kids are making new friends and getting in some serious playtime. You can rest easy knowing they’re having fun without breaking anything. Yet.
Oh, and if you’re a fan of laser tag or want to test your skills in a mini-golf tournament, both are available to settle once and for all who’s the reigning champion of friendly competition.
Bottom line: This ship is a playground for adults, teens, and kids alike. So whether you're up for heart-pounding thrills, competitive games, or just some much-needed relaxation, there’s no shortage of ways to entertain your inner child.
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The Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas swimming pool area is like a tropical paradise that doesn’t make you fight for a towel—thankfully. It’s got everything: water, sun, and an endless stream of good vibes. Let’s start with the Sky Bar. Yes, you can sip a cocktail while pretending you’re the coolest person at sea, all from the comfort of your poolside lounge chair. If you’re feeling adventurous, try ordering a drink with a name you can’t pronounce and act like you’ve been on cruises your whole life.
Not far from your well-earned relaxation spot, you’ve got the ship’s spa. The perfect place to make you forget that you just swallowed a wave of saltwater while "gracefully" cannonballing into the pool. Go ahead, treat yourself to a massage after that, because you deserve it (and the spa probably smells like heaven).
Now, let’s talk ice cream. You can grab a cone that’s bigger than your expectations and cooler than your cousin's “beach bod” selfies. And if you’re feeling competitive—who isn’t?—there are poolside competitions to keep things lively. Whether it’s water volleyball or a splash contest, you’ll find yourself doing Olympic-level dives just to prove your fun superiority. Spoiler: You won’t win, but you’ll look cute trying.
In short, this pool area has everything: relaxation, excitement, and ice cream. What more do you need? A towel? Maybe. A good attitude?
Definitely.
Pubs, Taverns, and Bars: Where the Real Voyage Begins
Ah, the bars and pubs on the Quantum of the Seas—let’s just say this ship isn’t just a cruise; it’s a floating pub crawl. If you’re someone who considers a vacation incomplete without a cocktail in hand, then this ship is your personal paradise.
First up, we have the Two70 Bar. Here’s the deal: it’s like a chic lounge with a view, where you can sip a cocktail while pretending you’re on some sort of futuristic space station. The drinks are fancy, the vibe is swanky, and you’ll probably feel important just by sitting there.
For those who prefer a more classic vibe, the Pub is where you go to channel your inner pirate (without the rum-induced mutiny, of course). It’s your traditional British-style pub, serving pints and hearty pub grub. You can get into some spirited conversation with fellow travelers, or, you know, just pretend you understand the game of darts. Either way, this spot will quickly become your go-to for that pub feel, minus the smoky air and questionable karaoke.
But if you really want to feel like you’ve time-traveled back to the golden age of cruising, head to Schooner’s Bar. This nautical-themed bar is as classic as it gets, with cozy wood paneling and nautical knick-knacks to make you feel like you’re in a scene straight out of an old maritime adventure movie. The piano bar here will get you singing “Sweet Caroline” before you can say “Ahoy, matey!” It’s a great place for a nightcap, and honestly, it might just turn into a permanent stop on your cruise journey.
Now, if you’re ready to turn up the fun (and the volume), head to the Bionic Bar. Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like—robots making your drinks. It’s like a science fiction movie, but with way more booze. The future is here, folks, and it comes with an app to order your cocktail from a robotic bartender. It’s fun, it’s flashy, and it’s honestly one of those things you have to experience just to say, “Yep, that happened.”
And if you’re craving a tropical drink that’ll make you feel like you’ve just won the lottery, check out the Solarium Bar. Situated in the adults-only area, it’s perfect for sipping cocktails in peace while pretending you don’t have kids. (Don’t worry, they’re probably at the Kids Club, having a blast without you.)
The best part? You can bar-hop between these spots, all while the ship continues its journey across the open seas. So go ahead, channel your inner Hemingway or James Bond—either way, you’ll find the perfect drink on the Quantum of the Seas.
For more information on my Pacific Adventure Ship Review as there are so many components from boarding to disembarkation, cabin accommodation, food and drinks, things to do onboard and of course destinations you visit.
Call cruise experts BlueSun Travel on 1300 799 758 or click on BlueSun Cruises to see the most comprehensive information on Royal Caribbean cruise ships and packages.
