It is often easy to become caught up in the hustle of daily life and forget to appreciate Australia’s natural beauty. P&O’s Whitsundays Cruise is the perfect way to recapture this awe, sailing to one of Australia’s most stunning destinations.
Despite being a budget cruise line, P&O’s Pacific Encounter’s amenities and offerings are more than adequate, with a friendly crew to welcome guests aboard and assist throughout the journey.
The Cruise Details
Cruise Itinerary Name: Whitsundays Cruise | 15-19 February 2025
Cruise Ship: P&O Pacific Encounter (to be renamed to Carnival Encounter once Carnival Cruise Line acquires P&O Cruises in March 2025)
Departing From: Brisbane
Cruising To: Brisbane
Ports of Call: Airlie Beach
Cabin Booked: Room 10240 | interior room, quad share (dual bunk) | deck 10
The Check-in process
Though travellers can check in at the cruise terminal before boarding, an online eTicket streamlines the check-in process by providing a room number and other important travel details ahead of time. P&O’s ‘Cruise Control’ platform also allows cruisers to print their luggage tags in advance, hand their bags over to terminal staff to be sent directly to their cabin, then proceed quickly through security.
Upon boarding, guests will have their photos taken by staff and will be issued with a cruise card. Most cruisers choose to wear this card on a lanyard for convenience, as it functions as a debit card, identification, and a room key.
What it is like onboard
Cash and card are not accepted on board: all cruisers must transfer spending money onto their cruise cards. P&O allows guests to choose between linking their debit card to their cruise card or loading cash onto it. Linking a debit card can be done either online before the trip, or on board. For those travelling with cash, the ship has several kiosks with a very user-friendly interface which allows cruisers to add money to their card, check their account statement, and cash out at the end of their cruise. All charges are in Australian dollars.
Entertainment
Guests on the Pacific Encounter are never stuck searching for something to do, with entertainment options ranging from shows, comedy gigs, trivia, karaoke, and clubbing to movie screenings under the stars.
A four-night itinerary also sees cruisers celebrate during an ‘Anchors Aweigh Sailaway’ party, a Gatsby-themed night with feathered headbands galore, and a ‘Bianco’ party for which guests dress in white attire.
Facilities and amenities
The nearly 300-metre ship boasts many pools, spas, and areas for relaxation, as well as a bar at almost every turn. An adults-only ‘Oasis’ area hosts a private pool, loungers in both the sun and shade and a beautiful sea view. The only downside to this area is its unfortunate proximity to Kids’ Club. Cruisers who have booked a suite experience select perks, including access to the ship’s exclusive Byron Beach Club.
The spa area of the ship, delivered in partnership with Elemis at Sea, allows guests to book in for services such as massages and facials, with nail painting and hairdressing services also available. The nearby onboard gym provides a beautiful view over the ocean. While several machines were out of order during the 15-19 February 2025 voyage, avoiding usage peak periods minimised the inconvenience this caused.
The dining
The ship has four free dining options: The Pantry (buffet), Angelo’s (Italian cuisine), Waterfront (modern Australian cuisine) and Dragon Lady (East Asian cuisine). Angelo’s and Dragon Lady both take bookings, which fill up very quickly. Beyond these complimentary restaurants, the ship also has paid offerings which include specialty restaurants, bars, cafes, and an ice cream parlour.
While P&O’s Soft Drinks, Alcohol-free Drinks, and Spring Water Packages are available for purchase by guests on the four-night Airlie Beach cruise, those undertaking longer voyages (seven nights or longer) can also opt for P&O Drinks or P&O Plus Packages, which include alcoholic beverages.
The Cabin
The quad share interior cabin is by no means spacious, but makes good use of the limited room available, featuring an area to store luggage away from the room’s two bunk beds and plenty of mirrors to avoid crowding in the cabin’s sole bathroom. Though undeniably in close quarters, cruisers in this cabin receive the best bang for their buck – especially those who pay only $250 each for the trip during P&O’s Buy 2 Get 2 Free sale. Guests wanting a taste of luxury can splurge on more spacious accommodation arrangements like the ship’s mini-suite or suite offerings.
The beds in all cabins are freshly made each day and clean towels (and towel animals!) are provided by wonderful stateroom attendants, who are also on hand for any issues guests might encounter during their stay. Though Australia does not have a tipping culture, many guests choose to leave their attendants a small gratuity for their work. Envelopes are provided at Guest Services on deck 6 for this purpose.
The itinerary
Guests can print tender tickets from a kiosk conveniently located next to the shore tours desk. These can be collected prior to port days to avoid queuing and ensure a smooth disembarkation process.
On arrival in Airlie, guests can take a five-dollar cruise shuttle service which allows them to explore all that the town has to offer – including quaint markets, stores, and the man-made lagoon (a great alternative to the stinger-infested ocean if travelling between October and May) – before being dropped right back at the tender terminal.
Loyalty program
While P&O does not have an existing loyalty program, they will adopt the Carnival loyalty program, VIFP Club, from March 2025.
Tips for your clients
- For those travelling in groups, the P&O app is a must. As well as being a one-stop shop for dining and entertainment itineraries, the app has a messaging feature which allows guests to connect with cabinmates without purchasing onboard Wi-Fi packages. Remember to download this prior to sailing!
- All medical services on the ship are privately billed so travel insurance is highly recommended, even for domestic cruises.
- Check out this guide to cruising etiquette.
How to book
To book a cruise, visit https://www.pocruises.com.au/* and for more information on the transition from P&O Cruises to Carnival Cruise Line, visit https://www.pocruises.com.au/more-to-love.
*Please note that from 11 March 2025, this link will be redirected to Carnival Cruise Line.
Website: https://www.pocruises.com.au/
Disclosure: Amy cruised as a paying guest of P&O Cruises. These opinions and words are a true representation of their experience and have not been endorsed.
