Tuesday, May 31 marked the historic day when P&O Cruises Pacific Explorer restarted cruising in Australia. The 2,000 passenger ocean liner set sail at sunset from Sydney bound for Brisbane with an excited crew and cruisers on board.
Yesterday’s departure saw tears of joy and a sunset sail away party that lasted long into the night as the Pacific Explorer sailed out of Sydney Heads for the first time in two years and turned left for Brisbane.
The four-night cruise up the coast to Brisbane and back will also result in more history being made as Pacific Explorer on Thursday becomes the first cruise ship to berth at the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal.
Needless to say, the landmark departure attracted coverage from all the major news channels and was hailed as the vital restart of an important economic sector that employs thousands and benefits Australian businesses nationwide.
Speaking about the historic day, President of Carnival Australia and P&O Cruises Australia Marguerite Fitzgerald said “Today is an emotional moment in time for so many people who have looked forward to the resumption of cruise operations in Australia and the rebirth of the $5 billion a year cruise industry.
“For P&O Cruises Australia and its suppliers, its shoreside and onboard staff and its travel agent partners, the first guest cruise on flagship Pacific Explorer also marks the return of economic opportunity.
“The first guest cruise to Brisbane is day one of the resurgence of cruising in this region.”
“It’s more than two years since we have delivered a commercial cruise but, on our recent three-night test sailing from Sydney, Pacific Explorer’s onboard team performed brilliantly.
“You would swear they had never been away and have been eager to welcome our guests onboard who will be just as keen to see our crew again.”
For more, head to www.pocruises.com.au