Building on the popularity of its “The Pantry” international marketplace dining, P&O Cruises will expand on the concept by transforming one of the outlets into a more traditional, full service restaurant as part of upcoming renovations scheduled for Pacific Dawn.

Replacing the existing Hook’s Fish & Chips outlet, Pacific Dawn will soon unveil the “Shell & Bones Seafood & Grill” which will double as a casual eatery – while remaining an inclusion in cruise fares – for lunch. In the evening it will convert into a venue which will allow passengers to either book a table or turn up to dine as a walk-in, adopting a la carte pricing structure with a significant increase in the standard of fare available.

Menu items available for a fee at the dinnertime version of the outlet will include Singapore style crab, locally sourced from the ship’s Queensland markets and steamed Australian blue mussels imported from South Australia, among much more.

Not everything on the menu will include fish. Other items from the grill including Portuguese roast chicken and beef ribs will feature, along with a range of vegetarian options. Shell & Bones Seafood & Grill will be situation in the upper deck Pantry area, meaning it will also offer extensive ocean views.

Pacific Dawn has nearly arrived in Singapore for its dry dock renovation and refurbishment, which will also see it fitted with new water slides, redesigned bars and lounges and a “kids only” water themed play area. The 1,546-passenger ship will return to its Brisbane base on 16 March before resuming its regular complement of South Pacific and Queensland cruising.