P&O Cruises Australia has announced the next stage of its fleet transformation with both Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter arriving in the first half of 2021 in a mark of confidence in the expected rebound of the local cruise industry,
P&O Cruises Australia says that Pacific Adventure is planned to begin sailing from Sydney on April 30 2021 and the delivery of Pacific Encounter is being brought forward by at least six months to ensure the local fleet is poised to drive the resurgence of cruising at the right time, with Pacific Encounter scheduled to call Brisbane home with her first voyage is scheduled to depart Brisbane on May 7, 2021 – but even better news it is reported that additional voyages may be added even earlier, depending on the timing of the return of cruising in Australia.
These sister ships will join P&O’s current flagship, Pacific Explorer, which P&O said will extend its operational pause until January next year with her first cruise now scheduled for January 9, 2021.
Pacific Explorer is planned to be homeporting from Auckland, New Zealand from February 6, 2021 to her last voyage on April 25, 2021.
P&O Cruises Australia President Sture Myrmell said, “The arrival of these much-anticipated ships, Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter, in the first half of next year represents a step-change for the fleet and a sign of confidence in the market,” adding, “This investment in our fleet is a demonstration that P&O Cruises Australia is ready to lead the industry in bouncing back when government and public health authorities agree it is appropriate to begin sailing again with protocols in place.
He also said, “It is also a mark of respect for our many loyal guests as well as crew, fresh food suppliers, entertainers and musicians, shore tour operators and port logistics partners who are looking to be a part of the resurgence of the Australian cruise sector over time.”
Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter will offer something for everyone from a range of inclusive dining options, speciality restaurants by renowned chefs Luke Mangan and Johnny Di Francesco as well as family-friendly activities and vibrant night-time venues brought to life by some of Australia’s leading comedians, musicians and our own talented entertainment staff, according to Mr Myrmell, adding, “These have been challenging times for the entire community and, for our part, we have sought to use this operational pause to fast-track our planned fleet refresh.” “Our pathway to a return to cruising may be unclear but we wanted to give our guests confidence about our future fleet and our commitment to Australia and New Zealand,”
P&O Cruises Australia recently announced the early departure of Pacific Dawn and Pacific Aria, with Pacific Aria reportedly sold to Greek company Seajets’ owner Marios liopoulos, who also bought P&O UK’s Oceana, with in addition, there has been considerable speculation, but not confirmed, that Pacific Dawn was to be renamed Satoshi, after the presumed pseudonymous bitcoin developer or developers Satoshi Nakamoto and bought by Ocean Builders to become a floating community, permanently anchored in the Gulf of Panama.
Both Pacific Dawn and Pacific Aria are currently near Limassol in Cyprus.
A Report by John Alwyn-Jones
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