Record Week as P&O Cruises Puts Three 

Regional Towns on its Cruise Map

In an historic week of cruise firsts, Australia’s leading cruise line P&O Cruises is poised to make its maiden visits to Eden, Portland and Mornington as part of a new itinerary featuring regional Aussie gems. 

During an eight-night roundtrip cruise which departs Sydney on Saturday (February 21), Pacific Pearl will make P&O Cruises’ inaugural visit to Eden on NSW’ South Coast on Sunday (February 22), before becoming the first cruise ship to call at Mornington Peninsula (February 24) and Portland (February 25) in Victoria’s south.

Rounding out the food-lover’s itinerary, the cruise will also include a call at Kangaroo Island, where guests can sample the island’s famed produce as part of a mini FEASTival, which will be laid out during each of P&O Cruises’ five visits to the South Australian port this year. 

P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Tammy Marshall said the cruise line had been pioneering cruising from Australia for more than 80 years and was proud to be introducing its guests to some special new ports. 

“We’re thrilled to be taking our guests to some of Australia’s most beautiful coastal areas, while also spreading the valuable cruise dollar further in what is sure to be a boon for these regional towns,” Ms Marshall said.

Over the next 12 months, P&O Cruises will make five calls to Victoria’s picturesque Mornington Peninsula, seven to Portland on the Great Ocean Road and five to Eden, injecting almost $7 million into the regional communities. Esperance and Busselton in Western Australia will also join the growing line-up of regional ports in the months to come. 

The regional cruises are in line with recent research undertaken by peak national industry body Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) showing that 85 per cent of Australians planning to take time off over summer intended to have a domestic holiday.

The addition of two more ships – Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden – in November will take P&O Cruises’ fleet to a record five ships and pave the way for more itinerary options.

Other regional ports to benefit from P&O Cruises visits include South Australia’s Port Lincoln, Mooloolaba on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and Burnie and Port Arthur in Tasmania.

For more information visit www.pocruises.com.au

or call 13 24 94.  

 The region’s largest and longest-serving cruise operator, P&O Cruises Australia leads the way in cruising as Australasia's only 'home brand' and its favourite cruise line. P&O Cruises has been sailing the region for more than 80 years, and has pioneered new destinations around Australia, the Pacific and Asia including Papua New Guinea, as reported in the New York Times’ 52 top destinations for 2015. On November 25, 2015, P&O Cruises will welcome two additional ships to its current three-ship fleet becoming the nation’s largest cruise line with five ships cruising from eight home ports in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. The addition of Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden has paved the way for exciting new cruise options including deployments from every mainland state in Australia and an extended deployment from Auckland. The pair herald a new era for P&O Cruises, as reflected in its new brand repositioning - P&O Cruises, Like no Place on Earth.  

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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Carnival Legend had its first taste of Tasmania this week making its maiden calls to Port Arthur and Hobart as part of a seven-night itinerary taking in Australia’s southern states.

As pictured, Carnival Cruise Line’s newest Australian superliner spent a full day and evening in historic Hobart on Monday, where guests took in the breathtaking view from towering Mt Wellington, explored the city’s historic Battery Point district and headed up the river to the stunning Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), before relaxing by the waterfront to sample some of Tasmania’s famous seafood as well as its fine wines and beer.

The cruise also took travellers to the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site, the best-preserved convict settlement in Australia, where visitors experienced the haunting beauty of the peninsula while hearing the fascinating stories of Australia’s penal past.

On their return to Sydney, guests will spend a full day and evening in Melbourne as Carnival Legend made its maiden call to the Victorian city tomorrow.

Carnival Legend will return for an Apple Isle encore when it sails to Tasmania on a four-night short break cruise departing Sydney on April 16.

Informatiion supplied by: Carnival Cruise Line, Australia.

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Carnival Launches Mystery Island Tours

After five years of community consultation, Carnival Australia has launched the first shore excursions at one of the Pacific’s most popular destinations – Mystery Island.

Cruise passengers will now be able to try four experiences during a visit to the picturesque Vanuatu destination including a glass bottom boat tour over the aqua waters, a guided snorkel safari on the reef, a glass bottom kayak excursion and stand up paddleboarding along the beautiful bay between the uninhabited Mystery Island and nearby Aneityum where the local community lives.

Two additional cultural tours of Aneityum’s Anelghowhat village will soon be available with highlights including a visit to a fish bone hut and the ruins of the Presbyterian church (once the largest in the South Pacific) where missionary John Geddie helped bring an end to cannibalism.

Located in the southernmost Tafea province, Aneityum is known as the “last island in Vanuatu”. Carnival Australia Destinations Director Michael Mihajlov said cruise ships had been calling at Mystery Island for 30 years but tours had only just been introduced in the remote region due to the absence of satellite communication, fuel supply, suitable management structures and insurance coverage as well as the challenges associated with transporting a boat to the island. Kayaks and paddleboards have been progressively carried to Mystery Island on P&O Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line ships.

“It has been a long road developing these excursions and providing the necessary resources to the community to manage them but we’re very excited about what the tours mean for the people of Aneityum and their beautiful cruise port Mystery Island,” Mr Mihajlov said.

“We are passionate about working with the island communities we visit to create a sustainable tourism success story so that cruise ship visits deliver a positive experience for all.”

While other Carnival Australia cruise lines Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises and Holland America Line will also offer the tours, Carnival Cruise Line guests became the first to try the snorkel safari, glass bottom boat and paddleboarding when Carnival Spirit called at the island on Friday.

Carnival Cruise Line Vice President Australia and New Zealand Jennifer Vandekreeke said Mystery Island was the line’s most popular South Pacific destination and these tours would only make it more appealing.

“While we know our guests love simply going ashore and taking a stroll through the markets, posing for photos in the infamous cannibal pot or just enjoying the beach, these tours add a new dimension to the destination. Mystery Island is the perfect spot for a paddleboard, snorkel and glass bottom exploring and these experiences will be a real highlight for our guests,” Ms Vandekreeke said.

Information supplied by: Carnival Cruise Lines Australia.

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Love Boat Be Cool –

Australian Remix of an 80s Classic

One of the best known TV theme songs of the eighties “The Love Boat” has sailed into the 21^st century, thanks to a remix by award-winning Australian electronic dance music duo Yolanda Be Cool.

The funky new version of The Love Boat was commissioned by Princess Cruises in Australia to mark the Sydney visit of the cruise line’s modern day “Love Boat” Pacific Princess on Valentine’s Day.

Pacific Princess, the namesake to the original Princess Love Boat, sailed into Sydney Harbour early on Saturday morning, wearing a 4.5 metre illuminated heart on her bow and with a three-metre high heart painted on her funnel to mark the occasion.

The ship’s arrival was captured by a team of videographers for a special Princess video, featuring the Yolanda Be Cool remix. To see the video visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rH2nF8U-It0

Yolanda Be Cool is an Australian electronic dance music duo who scored an international hit with the house smash "We No Speak Americano" in 2010. Their most recent track “Sugar Man” has also been making waves around the world and is in the top 10 ARIA singles dance chart.

Princess Cruises Vice President Australia and New Zealand Stuart Allison said the cruise line was thrilled the Sydney DJs – Andrew Stanley and Matthew Handley – had agreed to take the much-loved song in a new direction.

“Everyone knows the Love Boat theme but we wanted to do something special with it to really surprise people as we mark Pacific Princess’ Valentine’s Day visit and celebrate Princess’ 50^th anniversary,” Mr Allison said.

“In the words of the song itself, this remix is ‘exciting and new’- we think it will capture the hearts of a whole new generation and original fans will fall in love with it all over again.”

Information supplied by: Princess Cruises.

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Princess Cruises Tops Up its Australian Wines 

In line with its new destination offerings and the changing guest palettes, Princess Cruises has refreshed its onboard cellars with a range of new Australian wines on its local ships.

From Coal River in Tasmania to Margaret River in Western Australia, the wine list on the cruise line’s three local ships – Sun Princess, Dawn Princess and Sea Princess – is being decanted and refilled with 30 new drops, all but three from Australian vineyards.

Australian wines, including the line’s first verdelho from Hope Estate in the Hunter Valley as well as a top shelf D’Arenberg cabernet sauvignon from McLaren Vale, now represent 75 per cent of the local wine list.

While there is still French Champagne for the many special occasions celebrated onboard, as well as wines from Italy, New Zealand and California, the new blend reflects guest demand.

A team of connoisseurs, including Princess Cruises’ resident expert and Director of Guest Beverage Experience Karl Brenner, spent six months trying more than 120 wines before deciding on the final list.

Mr Brenner said Australians were big on home grown wine. 

“The main shift has been towards white wines with a big range of chardonnay and sauvignon blanc on offer as well as two new Australian rieslings and more white blends, which are growing in popularity,” Mr Brenner said. 

“In terms of reds, shiraz and cabernet are still favourites among our Australian guests so we’ve added some exciting new drops from South Australia. 

“While the Hunter Valley is the most highly represented region with eight wines on the new list, South Australia is the state with the most on offer with 15 different wines from the Barossa, McClaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills.”

Princess Cruises Vice President Australia & New Zealand Stuart Allison said the cruise line regularly updated its wine lists to fit in with new trends and guest demand, ensuring there was a wine to suit every taste, occasion and budget. 

“Australians have a refined palette when it comes to wine so our onboard offering needs to be up to date with trends on shore. As part of this latest wine revitalisation, we’ve introduced more local drops and more sought-after varietals such as verdelho, chardonnay and semillon,” Mr Allison said.

The addition of seven new wines from Western Australia, including four from Margaret River, reflects growing passenger demand based on new destinations the cruise line is visiting, he added. 

Diamond Princess became the first cruise ship to call at Busselton last year with another nine Princess visits to the Margaret River port scheduled in the next two years.

The new wine lists have been introduced on Sea Princess and Dawn Princess and will soon be onboard Sun Princess.

For more Information please go to www.princesscruises.com

Information supplied by: Princess Cruises.

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Princess Cruises' To Make Heart-Stopping

Entrance to Sydney on Valentine’s Day

Princess Cruises “Love Boat” Pacific Princess will make a heart-stopping entry into Sydney this Saturday lighting up the Harbour with a giant, beating heart.

In honour of her namesake, the original Love Boat, Pacific Princess will wear her heart on her bow, letting love guide her into port on the most romantic day of the year.

Believed to be the largest at sea, the 4.5m LED illuminated heart will form part of a love-filled salute as the 30,000-tonne ship and its 680-guests kickstart Sydney's Valentine's Day celebrations.

Pacific Princess will be decked out in full romance regalia including 300 heart flags flying from her dressing line and a four-metre high red heart painted on her funnel, while guests will be waving heart flags from her top decks.

To mark the first time Pacific Princess has arrived in Sydney for Valentine's Day, the ship has been given special permission to play a ship horn rendition of the well-known Love Boat theme while it passes the Opera House.

The modern day Love Boat is expected to sail through the heads at approximately 6am, cruising past the Opera House and under the Harbour Bridge around 6.30am before docking at White Bay Cruise Terminal about 7am. 

Harbour vantage points to see the loved-up Pacific Princess include Bradfield Park at Kirribilli, the Sydney Opera House, and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the Botanic Gardens.

Pacific Princess will be visiting Sydney as part of her 111-night wold voyage which departed Los Angeles on January 23, 2015.

Information supplied by: Princess Cruises.

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CLIA Global Snapshot Predicts Robust Growth in 2015

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has released its annual State of the Cruise Industry Report projecting another year of strong growth for the global cruise industry with a record 23 million passengers expected to sail in 2015.

With passenger numbers up more than a million from the 2014 forecast of 21.7 million cruisers, the CLIA report shows that cruise lines are enticing more global travellers to sea with new, exotic locations, and the debut of 22 new ocean, river and specialty ships in 2015 - a total investment of more than $4 billion by member cruise lines.

In great news for the local industry, CLIA Australasia General Manager Brett Jardine said the report earmarked Australia and neighbouring Asia as regions set for more robust growth in 2015.

“This year is set to be another big step forward for the entire industry as our members continue to strive to make cruising the best overall holiday experience for Australian travellers,” Mr Jardine said.

As part of the report, the global cruise association collated research from around the world to reveal its key industry outlooks:

• Cruise passengers intend to continue cruising. CLIA member ocean passenger volume is projected to increase to 23 million in 2015, a 4 per cent increase over 2014 estimates.
• Size doesn’t matter. Five years ago, the largest cruise ship in the world was introduced with a 6,300-passenger capacity. With 22 new ocean, river and specialty cruise ships scheduled for debut this year, the focus is less on size and more on unique design and amenities.
• Specialty cruises continue to thrive. Sophisticated ships, luxury yachts, elegant ocean liners and the newest river cruises all continue to experience double digit passenger growth with specialty cruises growing by 21 per cent annually from 2009 to 2014 estimates.
• The Caribbean is Queen. The Caribbean remains the top cruise destination with more than a third of the global deployment capacity market share in 2015.
• Travellers are expanding horizons. Regions including the Mediterranean, Asia and Australia are set to grow. In 2015, 52 ships will offer 1065 Asian cruises with capacity for 2 million passengers.
• Oh, the places we will go. The cruise industry is seeing an increase in passengers looking for global experiences. As a result, cruising has made the world more accessible than ever. CLIA’s member cruise lines offer nearly 1000 ports around the globe, including many areas that fall within a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Travel agents are key. While the Internet and mobile devices have overtaken how consumers make purchases, travel agents continue to be the most popular and best way to book a cruise.
• Passengers are at the helm. When it comes to travel, consumers are in control more than ever before. The cruise industry is excited, motivated and responding with key innovations that are meeting the needs of today’s passengers, such as bow-to-stern Wi-Fi and phone connectivity, multigenerational appeal, themed cruises and “foodcations”.

CLIA Australasia will release its 2014 Australian and New Zealand source market report later in the year.

For more information visit www.cruising.org.au

Information supplied by: CLIA Australasia.

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Princess Cruises Draws on Real Cruise Stories to Show

Australian Travellers How to Come Back New

Princess Cruises has unveiled its first Australian-produced advertising campaign showcasing the transformative power of a cruise through real life passenger stories of mateship, family life and major lifetime events.

Developed locally by Princess Cruises in association with MediaCom and Parliament Films, the online video campaign is the first to use real guests. Launched today, the series is an evolution of the cruise line’s Come Back New campaign, which launched last year.

Drawing on the experiences of existing Princess cruisers, the Come Back New Stories are evocative and emotional videos designed to inspire viewers with thoughts of travel and reconnection.

One video tells the story of lifelong friends from Wagga Wagga, Vince and Bob, who recently journeyed to New Zealand on Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess for a nostalgia-filled adventure, similar to the backpacking adventures they undertook in their 20s.

Other stories include the Ryan Family – father Jeff, mother Bente and children Lisa and Tim – who cruised to Bali on Diamond Princess to celebrate Jeff’s 50^th birthday, and husband and wife Gary and Michelle Leaney, who celebrate their 28^th wedding anniversary with a surprise cruise to Queensland.

Princess Cruises Marketing Manager Australia and New Zealand Nick Ferguson said the videos showcased a new cruise story, focused on sharing and recreating the feelings of real passengers and the reasons for their cruise.

“We wanted our past and future guests to see the real-life, positive impact that our cruisers experience during a holiday with us so they can be inspired to take their own transformative journey with Princess Cruises,” Mr Ferguson said.

“The best way to highlight this was by sharing stories that show how real travellers transformed while cruising on one of our ships,” he said.

The series launched today and will be progressively rolled out across social media and digital platforms until March 31, 2015.

The Come Back New Stories can be viewed here.

For more information call 13 24 88, visitwww.princess.com

Information supplies by: Princess Cruises.

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Carnival Takes Selfies to Sea with New Snap-Happy App

With more and more holidaymakers putting themselves in the picture, Carnival Cruise Line is taking the growing phenomenon of selfies to sea with a fun new app that allows guests to capture their cruise in a series of snap-happy selfies.

Available for download free of charge at the Apple and Android stores, the Selfies at Sea app collates a series of onboard photos into a mini-movie which can be shared on social media channels.

All cruisers have to do is point and shoot and the easy-to-use app does the rest. There are even flattering filters to ensure everyone looks like a selfie star. A sample video is available here

The app also features a guide to the best selfie spots onboard Carnival Spirit and Carnival Legend including the ships’ striking red funnel, Green Thunder waterslide and Lido deck with the sounds of the cruise making a fun soundtrack.

Carnival Cruise Line Vice President Australia and New Zealand Jennifer Vandekreeke said the app combined the fun of a Carnival holiday with the growing selfie craze.

“Cruising and selfies go hand in hand and with so many highlights on a Carnival cruise, this app is the perfect way for holidaymakers to roll all their favourite moments into a shareable movie so they can brag about all the fun they’re having at sea,” Ms Vandekreeke said.

Holidaymakers are encouraged to share their selfie movie using #selfiesatsea.

Earlier this year, Carnival Cruise Line made history with 600 guests on Carnival Spirit striking a pose on the ship's top decks for the biggest selfie at sea.

For more information call 13 31 94, see a travel agent or visit www.carnival.com.au

Information supplied by: Carnival Cruise Line, Australia.

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Carnival’s New Ocean-Themed Camps Set to Make Waves Down Under in 2015

Australia’s leading family cruise line Carnival Cruise Lines has announced it will bring the excitement and wonder of the ocean onboard its local ship Carnival Spirit with the launch of a new marine-themed kids club.

Giving little cruisers the chance to immerse themselves in all the fun of the big blue sea, the new Camp Ocean will replace Camp Carnival on Carnival Spirit during its scheduled refurbishment in August.

The new larger kids’ club areas will be splashed out in bright blue ocean hues, offering more than 200 educational and engaging ocean-themed activities such as sea salt art, sea shell craft, ocean bingo, and make-your-own sail boats.

Designed for children aged 2-11, Camp Ocean will feature three age-related areas including a new Penguin colony for two to five-year-olds and a Sting Ray camp for six to eight-year-olds, while nine to 11-year-olds will be able to sink their teeth into their new Shark enclosure.

Each area will have its own special features ranging from miniature play igloos for the smallest cruisers to interactive gaming stations for the biggest.

Carnival Cruise Lines Vice President Australia and New Zealand Jennifer Vandekreeke said Camp Ocean was a great fit for Australian children who had a natural fascination and affinity with the ocean.

“We can’t wait to introduce Camp Ocean to our Australian ship and watch our youngest cruisers dive in to the wonderful world under the sea,” Ms Vandekreeke said.

“We carry more families than any other cruise line in the world and we’re always trying to expand our horizons when it comes to ensuring kids, and their parents, have a memorable and enriching onboard experience – and a great holiday. While our current children’s programs are very popular, Camp Ocean will offer even more ways to have fun with its interactive and colourful links to the ocean.”

Camp Ocean was devised by a panel of experts including specialists in children’s engagement, toys, game play and even a mother of two who cruises frequently. The program is being rolled out across Carnival’s worldwide fleet.

Carnival Spirit’s current teen program will remain with Circle C entertaining guests aged 12 to 14 and Club O2 giving teens aged 15 to 17 somewhere to hang out.

The scheduled dry dock will also see Carnival Spirit receive a burger bar by US chef Guy Fieri, the BlueIguana Cantina bursting with Mexican flavours, a Caribbean-inspired RedFrog Rum Bar and an interactive EA Sports Bar.

For more information call 13 31 94, see a travel agent or visit www.carnival.com.au

Information supplied by: Carnival Cruise Lines, Australia.

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P&O Cruises’ entire fleet of three cruise ships met in Sydney for the first time this morning to form an historic Australia Day display on the harbour.

With Pacific Jewel berthed at Athol Bay,

Pacific Pearl anchored at Point Piper

and Pacific Dawn located off Kurraba Point,

the trio of ships offered their 6000 guests a front row seat to Sydney’s Australia Day festivities.

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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Photo's Credit Brian Gaskin, Cruise The Seas Travel And Media, Cruising Australia.

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! 

Three P&O Cruises Ships Sail into Sydney for Australia Day

In an historic display, P&O Cruises’ entire fleet of three cruise ships will spend Australia Day berthed in Sydney offering around 6000 guests a front row seat to all the action on the harbour.

The trio is set to begin sailing through the heads at 530am with Pacific Dawn to be based off Kurraba Point, Pacific Jewel berthing at Athol Bay and Pacific Pearl anchoring at Point Piper. 

To mark the occasion, Pacific Pearl and Pacific Jewel will sport patriotic decals with the nation’s catch cry, “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie”, while Pacific Dawn will be draped in giant Australian flags. 

The three ships will enter the harbour at 15 minute intervals and are expected to be in position by 645am and dressed by 730am. 

It will be the first time all three P&O Cruises’ ships have met in Sydney, with the display marking the third year the cruise line has been the official sponsor of the Australia Day Sydney Harbour Program.

P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Tammy Marshall said P&O Cruises’ decked-out superliners had become one of the key features of Australia Day on the harbour.

“We’re as Australian as meat pies and kangaroos so we’re thrilled to bring our entire fleet into Sydney’s iconic harbour for the first time on our national day,” Ms Marshall said. 

Special Australia Day events on the harbour include the Ferrython, the Army’s 21-gun Salute to Australia, RAAF flyover, a Harbour Parade, a Tug and Yacht Ballet, a 'tinnie muster', Tall Ships Parade which Pacific Pearl will start with her horn, the P&O Cruises’ fireworks display between the three ships at 830pm, and for the first time HMAS Canberra will join the festivities in the centre of the harbour. 

Australian entertainers will perform on the ships, while guests will dance the day away to Aussie music, watch Australian movies and enjoy a quintessential Aussie BBQ onboard. 

Pacific Pearl’s three-night Australia Day cruise from Sydney commences on January 24, Pacific Jewel’s three-night Australia Day cruise from Sydney will run from January 25 while Pacific Dawn will offer her first Australia Day short break with a four-night roundtrip itinerary departing Brisbane on January 24.

P&O Cruises’ 2016 Australia Day itineraries start from $579* per person on Pacific Pearl’s three-night roundtrip Sydney itinerary departing on January 24, 2016.

For more information on P&O Cruises’ Australia Day cruises visit www.pocruises.com.au

or  phone 13 24 94 or see a licensed travel agent.

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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P&O Cruises’ Guests Deliver New Medical Facility to Remote Vanuatu Island

P&O Cruises’ Pacific Partnership with Save the Children has delivered a desperately-needed medical facility to remote Vanuatu Island Aneityum replacing a run-down pre-1970s building with a new dispensary offering modern medical equipment and solar powered electricity.

The new dispensary raises healthcare standards on the island with features including a waiting area, a maternity delivery room plus separate consultancy, in-patient and treatment rooms, and new storage facilities and equipment. While the previous building operated without electricity for the past three years, the new facility is powered by solar panels.

With only one barge a month bringing supplies to the “last island in Vanuatu”, the dispensary took six months to build and is the biggest project to date for the P&O Pacific Partnership – a collaboration between Save the Children and Australia’s leading cruise line P&O Cruises.

The P&O Pacific Partnership gives the cruise line and its guests an opportunity to support island communities who have been welcoming P&O ships for more than 80 years. 

The partnership has raised almost $690,000 since its launch in January 2013 with four projects – two kindergartens, an aid post and the dispensary – completed during that time. More than $270,000 from the partnership was spent building the Aneityum facility.

Members of the 1000-strong island community joined healthcare workers and Save the Children staff at the official opening yesterday. Many had been involved in the construction process, hauling bags of cement and coral from a transport barge and digging the holes for the building’s foundation.

Located in the southernmost Tafea province, Aneityum is the home community to nearby Mystery Island, one of P&O Cruises’ most popular South Pacific destinations.

P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Tammy Marshall said it was important to leave a positive footprint in the communities the cruise line visited. 

“The Pacific Partnership offers a tangible and heart-warming way for P&O Cruises and its passengers to give back to the island communities that have provided an idyllic backdrop for so many cherished holiday memories,” Ms Marshall said.

Country Director of Save the Children Vanuatu Tom Skirrow said the dispensary would provide improved healthcare outcomes for about 1800 patients on Aneityum every year.

“We are looking at inter-generational improvements that will be realised for decades to come,” Mr Skirrow said.

Expectant mother Kye Nirinuput had three babies in the old dispensary and said she was 

“so happy to be having my fourth in the new, spacious, private maternity ward.”

The P&O Partnership has committed to building up to eight new aid posts in Vanuatu over the next two years.

P&O Cruises’ guests support the P&O Pacific Partnership by contributing a dollar from their onboard accounts or participating in the 'Born to Knit' program, which is now exclusive to the cruise line and sees knitted blankets donated to newborns at Vila Central Hospital. 

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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Shipload of Fans Sail to the Australian Open

It’s game-on for 1800 cruise passengers today, as P&O Cruises’ Pacific Pearl superliner departs Sydney to sail to the Australian Open in Melbourne.

The special cruise will deliver a shipload of tennis fans to the Victorian capital to enjoy two days of the tournament, in a visit expected to inject around $1 million into the State economy.

The passengers will represent one of the biggest single groups to attend the Open on any one day.

P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Tammy Marshall said the tennis cruise was now an annual event for P&O, following last year’s inaugural Australian Open voyage which visited the tournament for one day.

“Last year’s event was a huge hit with our guests but we think this year’s will ace it, serving up two full days and one evening of tennis,” Ms Marshall said.

The cruise comes as new Tourism & Transport Forum research shows one in three Australians plan to travel overnight to attend a major event this year, with sporting events at the top of the table.

“Australians love big sporting events and they also love cruise holidays, so being able to combine the two is a match made in heaven for many people,” Ms Marshall said.

With general admission and transfers to the Open on Wednesday and Thursday already included in their fare, guests on the five-night cruise have also purchased more than 2000 upgrade tickets which will see many of them courtside at the Rod Laver and Margaret Court arenas for their visit.

During their stay in Melbourne, guests will also take the time to enjoy some shopping, dining and sight-seeing - activities which will contribute valuable dollars to the economy.

Now an annual fixture on P&O Cruises’ calendar, the Australian Open tennis is part of the cruise line’s ‘main event’ offering which also includes cruises to the Melbourne Cup, the 2015 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival and a raft of Christmas and New Year sailings.

“Cruising is the ideal way to attend major sporting events. Not only is it great value, but it also takes the stress out of planning and provides a fun and relaxing experience either side of the action,” Ms Marshall said. 

Pacific Pearl departs Sydney at 4pm today and will arrive in Melbourne on Wednesday morning. 

Tennis fans wanting to catch the action next year can join P&O Cruises’ 2016 Australian Open cruise, departing Sydney on January 19. The five-night cruise is priced from $699* per person quad share and includes transfers to and from the grounds and general admission tickets with upgrades available. For more information visit www.pocruises.com.au or call 13 24 94.  

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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The New York Times, one of the world’s most prestigious news organisations, has discovered the attractions of P&O Cruises’ voyages to Papua New Guinea.

In its round up of 52 ‘must see’ places in the world to experience in 2015, the publication nominated Papua New Guinea and mentioned P&O Cruises’ itineraries to Australia’s exotic northern neighbour.

This is how the NY Times described the experience:

This island nation has long been off the radar for most visitors, mainly because of the difficulty of getting there.

Tourism is set to boom, however, now that the country has begun welcoming mega-cruise ships. P&O Cruises docked its first 2,000-passenger ship in the turquoise waters of Milne Bay on the southeastern coast in late 2013, and this year it is expanding its Papua New Guinea fleet and adding several new destinations, including Madang province, a popular diving spot.

In remote areas, more eco-lodges are popping up, as well, such as the Lake Murray Lodge, a rustic retreat that opened last June on the shores of the country’s largest lake, a bird-watching paradise.

Papua New Guinea featured as the 29^th destination on the New York Times’ list which can be seen here: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/01/11/travel/52-places-to-go-in-2015.html?ref=travel&_r=4

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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Carnival Cruise Lines Hatches Top Deals for an Easter Holiday Getaway 

Carnival Cruise Lines has released some ‘eggscellent’ fares for its April school holiday cruises, making it irresistible for families to hop onboard for an Easter escape. 

Fares start at $599* per person twin share for a four-night round trip cruise to Tasmania sailing on Carnival Legend and departing Sydney on April 16, 2015. The shortbreak cruise is an A-grade option for the school holidays, offering all the fun of the ship’s onboard activities plus a full day free to explore Hobart’s sights, from its stunning Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) to its towering Mount Wellington.  

For those keen to head north to the Pacific, fares on Carnival Legend start at $1100*per person twin share on its 11-night roundtrip cruise to New Caledonia and Vanuatu. Departing Sydney on Easter Sunday April 5, this itinerary features visits to Port Vila, Mystery Island and Noumea  as well as plenty of fun Easter activities onboard, including an Easter egg-and-spoon race, a ‘Golden Egg Hunt’ and an egg diving team challenge in the main pool. 

There’s more holiday fun onboard  sister ship Carnival Spirit too, with  a 12-night getaway to New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji, sailing roundtrip from Sydney on April 9. This Pacific Islands voyage promises adventure, culture and fun for the whole family, with calls to Mystery Island, Noumea and Isle of Pines as well as Suva and Port Denarau.  Fares start from $1300* per person twin share. 

Cruise Lines Vice President Australia Jennifer Vandekreeke said a cruise was the perfect way for families to enjoy the school holidays together.

“The great thing about cruising is that there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy, both onboard and onshore. With more than 45 fabulous activities on our ships and a range of fun shore excursions on offer, cruising makes for an unforgettable family holiday,” Ms Vandekreeke said.  

 Both Carnival ships feature 12 decks of fun including the fastest and steepest waterslide at sea - Green Thunder - as well as three swimming pools, the child-free Serenity Retreat and 16 restaurants, bars and lounges.  Carnival Legend also offers new features including the Seuss at Sea program, Hasbro, The Game Show and Bonsai Sushi.

For more information call 13 31 94, see a travel agent or visit www.carnival.com.au

* Fares apply to Interior staterooms. Subject to availability, conditions apply.

About Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Lines is the largest cruise line in the world with over four and a half million guests travelling every year. The cruise line has two ships based in Australia, Carnival Spirit – the largest and newest cruise ship to be based in Sydney year round – and sister ship Carnival Legend, sailing from Sydney each summer. With 45 activities from zen to adrenalin to enjoy each day, both ships offer fun-loving families and couples memorable and great value holidays. 

Information supplied by: Carnival Cruise Line, Australia.

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Emerald Princess to Debut Down Under as  Princess Cruises Shines Brighter in Australia 

Princess Cruises has announced a further expansion in the Australian market, with news that its magnificent 3082-guest Emerald Princess will join its local fleet in late 2016 for its first ever season of cruising Down Under. The 113,000-tonne superliner will be based in Sydney from November 2016 to April 2017, taking the cruise line’s Australasian capacity to a record 11,800 berths across five ships during the season.

Launched in 2007, Emerald Princess is one of Princess Cruises’ largest ships with more than 1500 guest rooms and will be one of the youngest ships to be deployed in Australia and New Zealand.  She boasts a raft of features which will appeal to local guests including 13 dining options, eight showrooms and lounges, two nightclubs and four swimming pools as well as signature Princess offerings such as a child-free Sanctuary, the poolside Movies Under the Stars and the luxurious Lotus Spa. 

Emerald Princess will undertake a number of cruises from Sydney, with itineraries to New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific to be unveiled in March this year. Announcing the move, Princess Cruises Vice President Australia & New Zealand Stuart Allison said the expansion reflected Australians continued love affair with Princess Cruises.

With five of its 18-strong fleet cruising down under, Princess Cruises ranks Australia as its biggest market outside the United States. “Since Princess first based a ship here for the summer in 2002 we have been embraced by Australians who love our exciting itineraries and destinations as well as the quality cruise experience we provide, so we’re thrilled to be expanding further,” Mr Allison said. “With three ships cruising our waters full time and two megaliners visiting for the summer, the 2016 season will offer more exciting options for Australian and New Zealand cruisers.” Mr Allison said Emerald Princess would cruise from Sydney whilst four other Princess ships will continue to offer programs from Melbourne, Brisbane, Fremantle and Sydney. Mr Allison said all ships will offer AUD pricing onboard as they deliver a full program of cruises from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Fremantle and Auckland over the 2016-17 summer.  Full details of the 2016-17 program for all Princess ships will be released in March, with the program on sale in April. 

For more details, you can keep upto date with  www.princesscruises.com

Information supplied by: Princess Cruises.

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P&O Cruises is sailing into a history-making New Year, with a number of head-turning events planned around the country in 2015.

The first spectacle will happen later this month when the cruise line’s three ships – Pacific Jewel, Pacific Pearl and Pacific Dawn – meet on Sydney Harbour on Monday January 26 as the city celebrates Australia Day. Ten months later the entire fleet will return to Sydney, with the cruise line’s newest additions - Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden - joining the existing three ships in an unprecedented five-ship spectacular on November 25. The arrival of Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden will lead to a series of exciting maiden port visits around the country in November and December, while P&O Cruises will also be making history over the coming months with its inaugural visits to a range of regional ports including Pacific Pearl’s first call to Eden on the NSW South Coast on February 22, and Mornington and Portland in Victoria on February 24 and 25 respectively. Pacific Jewel will make the cruise line’s first call to Esperance on March 20 and Busselton in Western Australia on April 24.

Pictured: Pacific Jewel arrives in Sydney as P&O Cruises’ plans for a busy 2015 get underway.  

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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Santa did a stand up job ensuring Pacific Jewel had a festive welcome to Sydney this week before her annual Christmas cruise departed the city.

Paddleboarding on the harbour with a sack of gifts, Santa’s surprise appearance gave Sydneysiders something to smile about in the lead up to Christmas.

  As the local cruise industry continues to boom, close to 6000 Australians will enjoy a tropical Christmas in the South Pacific across P&O Cruises’ three ships.

From carol singing and Christmas games to traditional roast turkey lunches and gifts from Santa, it will be a cruisey Christmas for guests, with no need to cook or wash up after the Christmas Day feast.

Please see the attached image of Santa paddleboarding in Sydney Harbour with Pacific Jewel. Photo credit: James Morgan.

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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Carnival Australia Lends a Helping Hand in the Kitchen for Christmas  

Some of Carnival Australia’s staff swapped their desks for kitchen benches last  week, to lend a hand as charity organisation Our Big Kitchen provided meals to those in need in the community.

The team of more than 50 Carnival Australia staff prepared meals for delivery to Bear Cottage, NSW’s only hospice for children, an experience which Executive Assistant Amanda Hall said they all found inspiring. “None of us was prepared for how amazing our visit to Our Big Kitchen would be, and we all left the kitchen humbled by the experience.” 

Senior Manager Commercial Analysis & International Caroline Handisides said it was a busy but inspiring day at the chopping boards.  “We spent the morning chopping vegetables and preparing dessert,” Caroline said.  “After lunch we helped the kitchen team package the food that would be distributed to those in need.  Overall it was such a rewarding day, one where we were naturally humbled in remembering how fortunate we are in our corporate world.”

Information supplied by: Carnival Australia.

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