P&O Cruises Australia’s Brisbane-based Pacific Encounter today became the first cruise ship to return to Lifou, reviving a seven-night South Pacific cruise itinerary that has been a mainstay of cruising in the region for decades.
Pacific Encounter’s return to Lifou in the Loyalty Islands marks the return of the popular NLV itinerary — Noumea, Lifou and Vila — that over the years has introduced many thousands of people to the joys of cruising and to the island communities in the South Pacific.
President of Carnival Australia and P&O Cruises Australia Marguerite Fitzgerald joined local officials for a special welcome ceremony after Pacific Encounter arrived in Lifou this morning.
Ms Fitzgerald said P&O Cruises was excited to return to Lifou, a very popular destination that the cruise line first visited in 1995.
“Lifou has been an incredibly popular destination in our itineraries for more than 25 years, so we’re thrilled that our guests can once again experience this beautiful slice of paradise,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
Ms Fitzgerald thanked Loyalty Island leaders and community representatives for their support and commitment to reopening maritime borders, which were closed in early 2020.
“We deeply value our relationships with the local community in Lifou and look forward to renewing our partnership following the return of cruising.”
Premier Rockliff said: “Cruise ship visits are an important contributor to Tasmania’s visitor economy and many Tasmanian businesses are celebrating today’s arrival of the Pacific Explorer and the start of the 2022-23 cruise season.”
Pacific Explorer’s arrival is positive news for the ‘cruising ecosystem’ — businesses and destinations that benefit from cruising — and they couldn’t be happier than in the local tourism mecca of Richmond.
The reopening of the Loyalty Islands and New Caledonia has completed the jigsaw of cruise destinations in the Pacific with Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu also opening their maritime borders.
“Irrespective of the destination, each of our ship visits to newly reopened destinations has been an emotional moment with guests able to reconnect with island communities,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
“Lifou has a special place in the hearts of our guests who enjoy the beauty of the Loyalty Islands and the meaningful cultural experiences they can share.
“We know how important cruising is to Lifou’s economy and we couldn’t be more delighted to be back.”
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