P&O Cruises Celebrates New Era

Overwhelming demand for P&O Cruises Australia’s four-week ‘Pearls of Tahiti’ cruise in 2008 has led the cruise line to offer a new 28-night Tahitian voyage in its latest program.

Pacific Dawn’s second Tahitian Treasures cruise, departing Sydney on June 4, 2009, headlines the new 2008-09 P&O Cruises’ brochure which features a fabulous collection of extended voyages, including the longest round-trip cruise ever from Brisbane – an 18-night Samoan Secrets escape departing May 9, 2009 on Pacific Sun.

Ann Sherry, Chief Executive Officer of Carnival Australia which represents P&O Cruises in Australia, said the arrival of Australia’s first superliner Pacific Dawn into Sydney and Pacific Sun’s move to Brisbane this November marked the start of a new era in cruising for Australia.

“Our latest brochure features more than 120 holidays, including 23 new cruises on offer between January and June 2009, with amazing itineraries and destinations available to holidaymakers who want to sail away for their next break,” Ms Sherry said.

“Our passengers can see the best of Queensland without driving, visit the sublime South Pacific without flying and for those who live in Sydney or Brisbane, they can start their holiday right from their doorstep with ships conveniently based in both cities.”

The 2050-passenger superliner Pacific Dawn will offer 52 cruises between November 2007 and June 2009 from Sydney including the Tahitian Treasures voyage with fares from $3834 per person*, or a 17-night Samoan Surprise voyage setting sail on March 20, 2009 with fares from $2318 per person*.

Meanwhile the 1900-passenger Pacific Sun will become Queensland’s largest cruise liner when it begins sailing from Brisbane in November, offering more than 50 cruises through to May 2009. The program includes the extended Samoan Secrets voyage in May 2009 with fares from $2450 per person* and a 14-night New Zealand Explorer Cruise departing on January 31, 2009 with fares from $1934 per person*.

Shorter holidays are also available with seven-night cruises from Brisbane on Pacific Sun to the South Pacific or tropical north Queensland starting at $945 per person in a complete inside quad-share cabin*.

“Cruising gives holidaymakers the chance to visit several destinations in the one holiday without any worries about getting around or travelling between places.” “Plus with all they have to offer, our ships are destinations in themselves,” Ms Sherry said.

“A P&O Cruises holiday is value-packed with accommodation, main meals and entertainment all included and passengers need only unpack once, then they can sit back and relax.”

The 70,000-ton Pacific Dawn is designed by famous Italian architect Renzo Piano and features 11 decks with two swimming pools, a choice of five evening dining areas, nine bars and lounges, a three-storey atrium lobby, “The Dome” entertainment area, a two-storey show lounge, fitness centre and dedicated children’s facilities.

The superliner offers Australians more affordable balconies than ever before, more dining choices and more entertainment options.

At 47,000 tons, Pacific Sun provides a holiday for everyone with a huge 35-metre waterslide and three kids’ clubs guaranteeing entertainment for all ages, alongside five restaurants and cafes, multiple bars and lounges and two pools.

For more information, contact a licensed travel agent or P&O Cruises on 13 24 69 or visit http://www.pocruises.com.au/

*Fares are cruise only, per person, in Australian dollars, in complete inside quad cabins based on Price-breaker fares ie. lead cabin category available. Subject to availability, conditions apply. Book by April 30, 2008 to take advantage of price-breaker fares quoted.

A Report by The Mole