P&O Cruises Australia has announced its flagship Pacific Explorer will make Brisbane her new homeport from October 2020.
Since 2012 more than one million Queenslanders have cruised with P&O – and almost three quarters of them have sailed from Brisbane.
Queensland is one of P&O’s heartland states and this year will account for more than 220,000 P&O guests and a record 56 separate itineraries.
As part of the cruise line’s new program release, Pacific Explorer’s first round-trip cruise from Brisbane will be the popular seven-night Pacific Island Hopper itinerary departing on October 24, 2020, followed by a seven-night Main Event themed cruise to the Melbourne Cup.
Pacific Explorer replaces Pacific Dawn which has been sailing from Brisbane since December 2009. She will continue to cruise from Brisbane until October 2020 offering guests a new 14-night Bounty Adventure – part of P&O’s new ‘Voyages’ cruises.
P&O ‘Voyages’ will visit numerous exotic international destinations and provide exclusive onboard experiences for sailings 13-nights and longer starting with the Captain’s Gala Cocktail Party where guests have the chance to meet the Master and Senior Officers.
Throughout the longer cruise, guests can take part in a range of presentations and activities covering topics that include current affairs, the arts and culinary experiences with appearances, talks and seminars from notable Australian guest presenters. The events lead to a sparkling Masquerade Ball where guests can dance the night away.
P&O Cruises President Sture Myrmell said Pacific Explorer’s move to Brisbane will provide Queenslanders with new onboard activities as well as the chance to experience some exciting destinations as part of the ‘Voyages’ concept.
“We are pleased to soon offer Brisbane guests our flagship Pacific Explorer and the chance to enjoy the features that this ship brings including two new ‘fast-casual’ dining options: Luke’s, a poolside grill by Australian chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan and 400 Gradi, a traditional Neapolitan pizzeria by award-winning Melbourne chef Johnny Di Francesco”, said Mr Myrmell.
“Relaxation and good times will also be on the menu in Pacific Explorer’s elegant new small bar, The Bonded Store, featuring a cocktail list created in partnership with Sydney-based award-winning Archie Rose Distilling Co, as well as whisky and gin-making classes.
“Guests can also enjoy a cocktail or two on the upper deck playing outdoor lawn bowls – an Australian cruise ship first or sit back and enjoy the Love Riot show featuring world-class dance, comedy, circus and acrobatics from internationally acclaimed Australian director Scott Maidment, the creative mastermind behind Madonna’s Rebel Heart Tour. There really will be something for everyone sailing with P&O from Brisbane.”
Highlights of P&O Cruises 2020 Brisbane season include:
- Pacific Explorer calls Brisbane home from October 2020
- The ship’s first round-trip cruise from Brisbane will be the ever popular seven-night Pacific Island Hopper departing on October 24, 2020
- Pacific Explorer will embark on a seven-night Melbourne Cup itinerary departing Brisbane on October 31, 2020
- Pacific Dawn continues sailing from Brisbane between April and October 2020
- Pacific Dawn will embark on a three-night one-way cruise from Brisbane to Melbourne in October 2020
The new 2020 program will deliver 43 round-trip cruises from Brisbane including 18 three-night themed cruises and four-night Short Breaks visiting Airlie Beach in the beautiful Whitsundays. Fares start from $484 per person quad share.
Queenslanders will enjoy a selection of longer cruises including a 12-night Fiji Adventure itinerary, four 10-night New Guinea Island Encounter cruises and an 11-night New Guinea Island Encounter. Fares start from $1079 per person quad share.
P&O Cruises’ 2020 program will go on sale on October 23, 2018.
For more information visit pocruises.com.au, call 13 24 94 or see a licensed travel agent.
*Subject to availability, conditions apply.
SOURCE: P&O Cruises
