In a surprise move, P&O Cruises has announced it will install a giant entertainment screen on its Sydney-based superliner Pacific Jewel this November.
Stretching four metres tall and seven metres wide, the Big Screen will be positioned above Pacific Jewel’s pool deck and will provide an ongoing source of entertainment for the ship’s 1950 passengers.
The decision follows overwhelming customer response to P&O Cruises’ announcement last month that its latest ship Pacific Pearl, which debuts in December, will feature a Big Screen.
Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, which operates P&O Cruises, said the cruise line had been blown away by passengers’ enthusiasm for the entertainment screen concept.
"Our passengers were so excited by the prospect of a Big Screen on Pacific Pearl that we thought we should extend the concept to other ships in our fleet. With Pacific Jewel due to go into drydock on November 5, the timing was perfect to fit an entertainment screen on her top deck," Ms Sherry said.
The state-of-the-art LED screen has sufficient lighting power to be seen clearly both day and night, while its 63,000-watt sound system will ensure that the audio can be heard even when the ship is at full speed.
Ms Sherry said the screen would be used to show everything from destination images through to latest release movies, news, sports events, karaoke and Playstation tournaments.
The drydock, which has been scheduled to replace a part on one of the ship’s stabilisers, will also enable some minor changes to soft furnishings.
Ms Sherry said the Big Screen would be a great addition to Pacific Jewel, which joined P&O Cruises’ fleet in December 2009. Pacific Jewel’s many features include the aerial circus Pacific Cirque, the fine dining restaurant Salt Grill by Luke Mangan and the two-level Aqua Healthspafitness.
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