Today is the day! The long-awaited first day of summer has finally arrived, and so has the return of summer cruising! Australia’s homegrown cruise line – P&O Cruises Australia is excited to be back sailing its three stunningly refurbished ships to incredible destinations in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
Departing Sydney and Brisbane, and Melbourne this summer, P&O’s itineraries provide guests with arguably the most convenient and affordable holiday option for exploring some incredible destinations, locally and abroad.
So, if you’re craving a last-minute short break getaway or seeking a longer break to truly relax, explore and soak in the summer sun, here are P&O’s five top picks.
- Indonesia: A unique opportunity to join P&O on a one-way journey of discovery as Pacific Encounter sets sail Singapore-bound on the Indonesian Explorer itinerary.
Departing Brisbane, guests will explore five breathtaking locations over 14-nights with port calls including Airlie Beach, Darwin, Benoa Bali, Lombok, and final disembarkation in Singapore. This is the perfect itinerary to discover multiple destinations, jam packed with cultural activities and summer fun!
It’s also possible to also catch the return trip from Singapore to Brisbane, with an extra stop in Cairns, or pencil in a trip onboard Pacific Adventure from Sydney when she recreates this exciting voyage in 2024. Prices from $1354pp twin share.
- Pacific Islands: Topping the list for the most popular destination booked by P&O guests in 2023 is the Pacific Islands, and it’s not hard to see why! Delivering on tropical weather, idyllic beaches and adventurous shore tours, The Island Hopper itinerary takes in New Caledonia and Vanuatu, embracing the Frenchy-chic vibe in Noumea, the ancient culture of Lifou and the Caribbean atmosphere in Port Vila.
Affording guests the opportunity to experience limitless natural wonders, snorkeling, segway and quad bike safaris, as well as glimpses into local ‘island life’, this is the ultimate itinerary for relaxation that’s sprinkled with plenty of culture and adventure. 7 to 9-night itineraries depart from Brisbane and Sydney. Prices from $749pp twin share.
- New Zealand: Thanks to growing interest in the region, you can now cruise across the ditch for the action packed 13-night return adventure first time with P&O, taking in seven spectacular destinations including Fiordland National Park, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Napier, Auckland and either Tauranga or the Bay Of Islands (pending port of departure).
From sweeping glaciers to long sandy beaches, Māori legends to wine-tasting, there’s a dizzying list of sights and experiences to offer. You’ll simply marvel at New Zealand’s untouched beauty and fall in love with its World Heritage-listed wonders. Prices from $1399pp twin share.
And hint hint, if you haven’t yet got New Year’s plans sorted, ring in 2023 in style during a 12-night trip from Melbourne, departing 30 December!
- South Australia: Head south and experience some of Australia’s best kept secrets! Over six nights departing Melbourne, Pacific Explorer takes in Adelaide, the city of churches as well as Australia’s third largest island, Kangaroo Island – home to thriving wildlife and a community that prides itself on producing gourmet food.
Rounding out the three-stop voyage is Port Lincoln at the southern tip of South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula – is a must-visit town for seafood lovers that is steeped in a rich fishing culture. Prices from $1324pp twin share.
- Papua New Guinea: So this one technically misses being a ‘summer’ cruise in 2023 with itineraries starting from April, but it is so incredible, it deserves mention (or simply add to the 2024 summer bucket list!). Papua New Guinea, or PNG, is somewhat of a mystery; it’s remote and rugged, with little contact with the rest of the world – and that’s where its beauty lies.
Taking in Alotau, Kiriwina Island, Rabaul and Conflict Islands, you’ll experience ancient cultural heritage and rituals, traditional Melanesian culture, foods and crafts, along with unspoilt, pristine beaches and discover some of the most stunning coral and marine life from onboard a charter boat or pop on the flippers and googles for an underwater snorkeling adventure.
Enjoy a peek into the melting pot of PNG culture which is home to hundreds of tribal groups that speak over 800 languages. Prices from $1149pp twin share.
The P&O Cruises three-ship fleet departs Sydney (Pacific Adventure), Brisbane (Pacific Encounter) and for a limited time, Melbourne (Pacific Explorer). Each of P&O’s ships have been recently refurbished in P&O’s contemporary style, offering a multitude of bars and dining venues, pools, kids clubs, onboard entertainment and activities. Currently Pacific Adventure and Explorer offer waterslides and the Edge Adventure Park, with Pacific Encounter bringing these to guests from March 2023.
For more information, visit www.pocruises.com.au
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