Thinking of a festive sailing from Brisbane? This introduction gives you a clear, practical run-down of what spending Christmas 2017 on P&O Pacific Dawn felt like. You’ll get a straight answer on cabins, dining, activities and the overall vibe—no fluff.
P&O positions the ship as a relaxed, good-value option aimed at middle Australia. Expect easy comfort, loads of entertainment and a focus on family-friendly fun. You’ll see why that matters when choosing a holiday that feels like home.
This is a product review with a practical lens. We preview the big decision points you’ll care about: room choices, food options, entertainment, kids’ facilities and adult-only escapes. We also flag cost realities up front—what’s included and what may cost extra—so you can budget without surprises.
Follow this quick, scannable journey through decks, dining and water fun to decide if this travel style suits you. 🙂
Key Takeaways
- Real expectations: clear look at cabins, dining and entertainment.
- Value focus: aimed at middle Australia seeking relaxed luxury.
- Cost clarity: know what’s included and what’s extra.
- Family friendly: kids’ options plus adult-only retreats.
- Decision help: quick points to choose room, food and activities.
Quick verdict on Pacific Dawn for a Christmas cruise from Brisbane
For travellers after an easy, friendly holiday from Brisbane, this ship delivers steady entertainment and value. It suits people who want a relaxed vibe rather than formal elegance.
Who this festive sailing suits in Australia
Best fit: families who want organised activities and calm pool time, couples who prefer variety without fuss, and social groups chasing a lively, shared holiday. If you seek quiet luxury or boutique service, look elsewhere.
What “middle Australia” can expect onboard
Middle Australia means approachable service, big-ship catering and plenty of options that keep everyone busy. Food and shows aim for broad appeal. Staff are friendly and the pace is unpretentious.
| Feature | Why it matters | Quick verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Kids’ activities | Supervised programs for different ages | Great for families |
| Evening shows | Variety: musical acts, cabaret, game shows | Consistent fun |
| Value | Good inclusions but extras add up | Good value if you budget money for surcharges |
- Checklist: kids’ stuff ✓, adult downtime ✓, food variety ✓, shows at night ✓.
- Brisbane departure is handy for Queenslanders and interstate travellers wanting a short, simple getaway.
Ship snapshot and atmosphere during the festive season
Imagine boarding in Brisbane and stepping into a ship designed for simple fun and social days at sea. The vibe is busy, upbeat and family-focused. You’ll see kids’ laughter, groups meeting at pool bars and evening shows filling the decks.
Brisbane homeport and typical routes
Leaving from Brisbane keeps embarkation easy. The usual itineraries visit South Pacific islands, the Great Barrier Reef and, at times, New Zealand. Short flights or a road trip make the start simple for most Australians.
Refurbishment vibe: relaxed, family-friendly public spaces
The recent refurbishment gave public areas a casual refresh. Lounges feel open. Kid zones and pool decks invite roaming and meet-ups. Spaces are meant for snack stops, quick shows and spontaneous play.
| Feature | What to expect | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Pool & sun deck | Sunny, lively with games | Early morning for quieter time |
| Lounges & cafés | Casual seating for groups | Use them between events to avoid crowds |
| Evening entertainment | Family shows & adult options | Book specialty seats early |
On Queensland sea days the sun drives pool energy and relaxed strolls along the promenade. Expect crowds at peak holiday times. Work with the ship: pick off-peak hours, scout quieter decks and have a loose plan for must-do activities. Little planning goes a long way to enjoy the p&o pacific dawn experience.
Cabins and onboard comfort for families, couples and groups
Cabin choice shapes most of your holiday comfort — here’s a clear guide to picking the right room for your group.
Cabin types across 27 categories
The ship offers 783 cabins in 27 categories. Most are outside rooms, so you won’t be stuck inside unless you choose to be.
What changes as you pay more: more space, upgraded bathrooms, balcony access and suite perks like bathtubs and extra living areas. The 14 largest suites include a bathtub, entertainment area and an extended balcony — useful if you want room to spread out.
Ocean view versus balcony on the upper decks
About 184 upper-deck cabins have private balconies. Ocean view rooms give natural light at a lower price.
Worth it at peak times? If you value a quiet outdoor spot after busy days, a balcony on the upper decks is a good upgrade. Ocean view still beats an inside room for daylight and views.
Family-friendly setup and accessibility
Most cabins have twin beds that convert to a queen. Several categories offer upper berths and rollaway beds, so families can share without tight squeezes.
There are 13 wheelchair-accessible cabins and cots for under-3s. Ask early to secure these — they book fast.
Costs, service and comfort
Room-service meals cost extra, so budget for a few treats rather than daily orders. After a full day of activities, a well sound-proofed cabin is your best reset button.
christmas cruise pacific dawn dining: buffet, à la carte and specialty restaurants
Dining on board mixes easy buffet choices with a few bookable restaurants that feel special. You can eat casually or pick a premium night without stress. Map out meals so you don’t waste time queuing during busy holiday days.
Your Choice Dining and the main venues onboard
Your Choice Dining means flexibility: pick a time that suits you or turn up to the buffet for grab-and-go. Peak meal slots fill fast, so aim for off-peak times if you want quiet seating.
Specialty dining highlights: Salt Grill by Luke Mangan
Salt Grill by Luke Mangan is the premium restaurant onboard. Expect well-crafted plates, a concise wine list and attentive service. It’s worth it for a celebration night or a real treat.
La Luna and when it’s worth the surcharge
La Luna is a middle-ground specialty option. Pay the surcharge for date nights or if you want a quieter, sit-down menu. On many nights the main dining room will be more than enough.
Casual bites and The Pantry concept
Poolside options include the Lido Café, the Juice Bar and a pizzeria for fast family meals. The Pantry groups nine outlets: carvery roasts, Mexican tacos, Indian curries, Chinese stir-fries and desserts — handy when tastes differ.
| Venue | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Main dining / Buffet | Included | Big meals, formal nights |
| Salt Grill by Luke Mangan | Specialty fee | Celebration dinners, food wine pairing |
| La Luna | Moderate surcharge | Date night |
| Lido / Juice Bar / Pizzeria / The Pantry | Included / low-cost items | Pool days, kids, quick bites |
Seafood value pick: Shell & Bones platters for two start from $40 and lobster mornay is about $20. Perfect for a small holiday splurge that feels like a treat without breaking the bank. 🙂
Bars, lounges and onboard nights out
Night life on board mixes relaxed spots with places that invite a little flair. Pick one key venue for the evening and rotate the rest so you don’t feel rushed.
The Orient Bar’s Cuban-inspired décor
The Orient Bar brings a fresh, Cuban-inspired décor and a lively mood. Warm colours, rattan chairs and Latin rhythms make it a great place to start your night.
Promenade Bar cocktails with P&O mixologists
At the Promenade Bar the mixologists craft drinks from your flavour brief. Tell them the spirits and tastes you like and they’ll build something tailored to you.
Chocolate café pit stop between activities
Need a quiet pause? The chocolate café is a simple, feel-good pit stop. Grab a mocha or a bonbon between shows to recharge.
- Tip: pre-dinner drinks set the tone; post-show cocktails finish the night.
- Budget: pick one paid specialty drink each night rather than sampling everything.
- Timing: arrive early for seats or choose off-peak time for a quieter table.
| Venue | Vibe | Best time |
|---|---|---|
| Orient Bar | Cuban-inspired décor, lively | Early evening for atmosphere |
| Promenade Bar | Custom cocktails by p&o mixologists | After dinner for experimental drinks |
| Chocolate Café | Quiet, sweet treats | Between shows for a calm break |
Entertainment and daily activities at sea
Days at sea mix big-stage productions with easy, drop-in fun so you can choose your pace. The programme is built for variety: headline shows, pop-up acts and low-pressure options for every mood.
International Show Lounge and headline cabaret
The two-deck International Show Lounge hosts the major productions and cabaret acts. These are the big-ticket evenings, so arrive early for the best seats at peak times.
Atrium surprises: lasers, circus and game shows
The Atrium turns into a surprise hub during the day. Think laser light shows, acrobats and the high-energy Let Me Entertain You game show — easy to dip into between meals or shore tours.
Adults-only options and casual join-in acts
If you need a grown-up break, book the Sit Down Comedy Club or try the casino and live music venues. Karaoke is the low-pressure pick: sing or cheer from the crowd — great for mixed-age groups.
The Dome and late-night rhythm
The Dome is the main late-night dance floor. If you plan a big night, balance it with a quieter morning before an early port excursion.
Shopping and small essentials
The onboard arcade sells jewellery, perfumes and fashion pieces — handy for gifts or if you forgot something ashore. Whether you have more sea days or port calls toward New Zealand, the ship’s activities keep you busy without overbooking your holiday.
For broader planning tips, see our ultimate guide to Christmas cruising for timing and packing ideas.
Kids’ clubs, water fun and the P&O Edge thrill factor
If you’re travelling with kids, the ship’s decks become a daytime playground that makes parents breathe easier. Families get a clear split: supervised spaces for younger children and high-energy activities for teens and adults.
Family deck life: splash park, pool time and sun decks
The new splash park and pools keep children busy while adults relax on sun lounges. Pools have shallow areas for toddlers and deeper lanes for older kids.
Pick early mornings for quieter swims. After a shore day, the deck is an easy option for low-effort fun that still feels like a holiday win.
Waterslides: disco lights and the over-the-edge ride
One slide is a party: disco lights, pumping music and bright tunnels. It’s great for mid-range thrill seekers.
The other slide twists over the edge of the ship. Expect a bigger adrenaline hit and faster queues on sea days.
P&O Edge activities: rock climbing, zipline, plank walks and segways
p&o edge is the adrenaline add-on. Try rock climbing for a workout, the zipline for a short thrill, plank walks for nerve-testing photos and segways for casual speed.
Youth spaces: Children’s Centres, HQ and HQ+
Children’s Centres welcome ages 3–10 with supervised programmes. HQ and HQ+ sit for 11–17 year olds and offer independence, social spaces and age-appropriate activities.
“Make this the family decision: choose a ship that balances supervised play, teen freedom and deck-based downtime.”
- Tip: go early for P&O Edge slots to avoid long queues.
- Tip: plan a calm afternoon after a big shore day — the deck still delivers easy wins.
Spa, wellness and adults-only escapes
If downtime matters as much as activities, the onboard spa and sun spaces become essential.
Oasis adults-only sun deck
The top sun deck has an adults-only Oasis with wicker beds, lounges and ottomans. A central whirlpool gives you quiet soak time away from family noise. It reads like a mini-retreat on the ship and works well for slow afternoons.
Aqua Health Spa & Fitness
Aqua Health Spa & Fitness spans two decks and feels more than a salon. There are 11 ocean-view treatment rooms, a salon, a fitness centre and a thermal suite. You can book a massage or fit in a short workout with sea views.
Elemis treatments and the thermal suite pass
The refurbished Elemis Spa offers hot stone massages and seaweed wraps. A thermal-suite pass (reported at $20 for the whole sailing) covers the sauna, steam room and hot bed. For a small outlay, this is smart money if you want repeated relaxation.
- Where to escape: pick Oasis on bright sun mornings for calm.
- Best time: late afternoon on sea days or when kids are in clubs.
- Value tip: buy the thermal pass early — you’ll use it more than once.
“A little spa time keeps the holiday feeling like a real break.”
Whether you want a quiet hour or a full pamper session, these wellness options are a practical part of relaxed Australian cruises. For related ship specs, see the Ambience details here.
Conclusion
If you want a balanced, easy-going holiday from Brisbane, Pacific Dawn is a sensible pick. It pairs casual comfort with steady entertainment, varied dining and family-friendly spaces. The programme keeps days and nights full without feeling pressured.
Top reasons to book: an approachable vibe, simple logistics from Brisbane, strong food‑and‑wine options (Salt Grill, La Luna, The Pantry and Shell & Bones) and plenty of activities for every age. You’ll rarely be bored on sea days.
Book it if: families, groups, first‑time cruisers or value seekers. Think twice if: you want ultra‑luxury or utter quiet.
Shortlist a cabin type, budget for key add‑ons and pick a sailing length that fits your pace. For a firsthand log, see our Pacific Dawn trip notes. 😊
