P&O Cruises is set to make waves during the 2016/17 peak cruise season, with five ships, additional itineraries and more departures around the country.
The new five-ship program was released this week, with 191 cruises and 38 unique itineraries between October 2016 and July 2017.
The program features the cruise line’s three existing ships – Pacific Pearl,Pacific Dawn and Pacific Jewel – as well as its two new ships – Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden – which will join the fleet from November this year.
For the second time, P&O said it will continue to homeport two ships from Brisbane year-round, with Pacific Eden joining Pacific Dawn on cruises departing from the city.
There’s also a 10-night Papua New Guinea Christmas cruise on Pacific Eden from the city.
Pacific Pearl visits Port Lincoln.
Melbourne’s locals will have more cruise choices right at their doorstep, as Pacific Jewel operates its 13-night Pacific Islands Christmas from the city and Pacific Eden uses the port for its first four-night Sea Break.
In Adelaide, P&O will hold a season of short breaks aboard Pacific Aria including three-night weekend getaways and a four-night options visiting Port Lincoln.
Meanwhile, Pacific Pearl’s Auckland season will see the first Sea Break to Napier for the country’s Art Deco Weekend and in Sydney the line is shaking things up with additional themed cruises such as a three-night Blues cruise.
Five ships means more options for P&O.
Pacific Aria’s first Sydney season features a new 15-night Papua New Guinea cruise calling at Alotau, Madang, Rabaul, Kiriwina Island, Kitava, Doini Island and scenic cruising in the Vitu Islands, Kawanasausau Strait and Milne Bay.
P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Commercial Operations Sture Myrmell said a five ship fleet opened up some exciting opportunities for Australian cruisers.
“We have one of the best backyards in the world and our five-ship fleet is cruising from all over the country to take our guests from Port Lincoln to Papua New Guinea. While we’re showing off the best of Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, our guests can enjoy the latest in onboard innovations making our ships an exciting destination in their own right.”
Sture Myrmell, P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Commercial Operations
The new program is on sale from 22 April.
The first 200 guests who book a new program itinerary departing from 14 November 2016, will receive special extras including priority check-in and tenders, welcome gift packs and onboard credit.