The 2000-person capacity Brisbane-based ship is expected to get two waterslides, an interactive kids-only play area as well as a modern take on the traditional buffet-style dining experience.

The Pantry will offer a marketplace for fresh food outlets, with various public spaces, including the ship's Dome nightclub, expected to get a "sophisticated" makeover.

The revamp will take place in Singapore in February 2017 and is expected to take two weeks, P&O Director of Entertainment Brett Annable said.

"It is the most we have spent on Pacific Dawn since we have had the ship, it is going to come out looking amazing," he said.

"The whole thing is done in two weeks, thousands descend on Pacific Dawn to fit all the bells and whistles."

The makeover will come in time for the 108 cruises expected to operate out of Brisbane in 2017, a leap from the 98 offered in 2016.

"In 2017, we will be the only cruise company that will have two cruise ships based year-round out of Brisbane," Mr Annable said.

Pacific Dawn and Pacific Aria will set sail from Brisbane to a variety of locations, including the east coast of Australia, through the South Pacific and New Zealand.

The Queensland government has identified 'cruising' as one of the fastest-growing tourism sectors for the state.

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