Let’s be honest, if you’re researching your cruise and you place a photo of Pacific Jewel alongside one of the newer ships regularly based in Australia, you may be more likely to gravitate toward the latter based on looks alone. But anybody who makes their choice of cruise ship based only on the exterior is setting themselves up for disappointment. It’s always more important to look deeper to see exactly what the ship has to offer your group.

The 1990-built ship has been sailing with P&O Cruises Australia since 2009 and in that time has undergone a number of refurbishments and renovations, making the actual passenger experience one of the most modern you’ll find in Australia. So while yes, it is encased in older hardware, look deeper than the skin and you’re likely to find a greater appeal than you think.

Last renovated in mid-2015, Pacific Jewel reflects the current modern P&O Cruises product complete with the latest restaurants and dining offerings, including Waterfront & The Pantry. The latest theatre shows can be found in the theatre, while families with children will find the newest Kids Club facilities catering to ages from near newborn through to near adulthood.