P&O Cruises will unveil two new ships in November, with its designer citing boutique hotels as a major inspiration for both projects.
After extensive renovations, P&O Cruises will boost its local fleet in Australia to five after acquiring two vessels from sister company Holland America and in a multi-million pound makeover will reveal a new boutique look for the brand. The transformation, led by chief designer Fredrik Johansson, from Tillberg Design of Sweden, said he wanted to break the old-school mould of cruise ships and create something that sparkled.
Speaking to the Herald Sun, Australia he said: “We want to move away from the feel of mass market into something that feels like a boutique hotel,” he said “But we also want to inject some humour into it, after all, this is about people coming on holidays, relaxing and having fun.”
The refurbishment includes adding some quad rooms for families as well as new penthouse suites, and opening up some of the redundant public areas, updating furniture, fittings and fabrics to give off a more bespoke feel. The new Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden will be officially revealed on November 25 at Sydney Harbour, when P&O Cruises three existing ships will welcome their two new members in a record sail of five ships on the harbour.