Pacific Explorer VLOG Part 2: Brisbane International Cruise Terminal Tour & Opening + Bianco Night

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The Brisbane International Cruise Terminal is the newest purpose built cruise terminal in Australia. The facility was completed in mid 2020, which meant it fell victim to the ongoing pandemic and therefore was only officially opened the day that our ship, the Pacific Explorer, arrived in port on June 2nd 2022. It seemed fitting that the P&O Australia’s flagship would be the vessel marking the occasion.

Passengers are greeted with a 270m elevated walkway that transports them from the terminal to the ship, and vice versa. The lengthy bridge is suspended well over the Brisbane River below, and allows ships to berth in deeper water, away from the shallows.

The walkway provides for some lovely views of both the ship and the surrounding landscape, with open panels in the walls giving it a typically Queensland feel with great cross ventilation, even on this chilly winter day. In Summer, I imagine it might be just a touch warmer.

At the end of the walkway, the entrance to the 2 storey 10,000 square meter terminal beckons. This section is where border force will set up for international cruise ship arrivals, and to the right is where arriving passengers will undergo security screening before making their way onboard.

The flow is really good - with wide walkways and a choice of elevators or escalators to make the trip down to the lower level. Once on the ground floor, the baggage hall is where guests will collect their suitcases when they choose for the cruse line to remove them at the end of a voyage. Exiting the hall, one-way access doors much like you find at airports, adds an extra layer of security.

The new terminal was built in order to future proof Queensland’s cruise industry. For years, ships that exceeded 270m in length had no choice but to dock across the river at the industrial terminal, making it an unpleasant experience for passengers and cruise lines alike. Construction commenced at the end of 2017.

The wharf itself is 208m in length and consists of a 450m berthing pocket, suitable for even the largest cruise ships in the world.

Outside, the terminal consists of large, open, green space with room for baggage drop, shuttle arrivals and departures, seating areas, parking for over 900 vehicles as well as fantastic views of the ship. Parking is available in both short and long term options, meaning passengers embarking on a cruise can enjoy the convenience of parking at the terminal. The parking facility is operated by Wilson Parking and you can go to their website to learn more about those options.

The terminal is only open on days that cruise ships are in port.

To mark the official opening of the terminal, dignitaries were in attendance including the Queensland state premier, Anastasia Palsczuk and Carnival Australia and P&O Australia President, Marguerite Fitzgerald. It was truly a great experience to be a part of the event, and I have no doubt that Queensland will begin to attract some of the world’s newest and largest ships in no time - though perhaps a little more work on local cruise infrastructure will be needed before we see an Oasis class in our waters.

After touring the terminal and the grounds and enjoying the ceremony, we decided to board the ship and enjoy a quiet afternoon on the pool deck so it was straight back to the oasis, of course! A spectacular Queensland sunset marked the beginning of Bianco night - which is one of several theme nights that P&O puts on during its cruises.

For dinner, it was to the main dining room, the complimentary restaurant called Waterfront. We were seated immediately and service was very efficient. The food was tasty, though I’ll give you more of my feedback on the dining options in a follow up review video.

After dinner, it was to the Marquee theatre to watch a show, this time, a P&O favourite, Johnny Balance. A fun mix of both magic and comedy was a fun way to spend an hour or so.

Stay tuned for more!