New Cruises on the NZ horizon for Pacific Princess

News release

February 2, 2004

New Cruises on the New Zealand horizon for Pacific Princess

P&O Cruises is plotting a new course for its premium cruise ship Pacific Princess, with the ship's 2004-05 programme featuring inaugural cruises to New Zealand, Queensland and Tasmania as well as new South Pacific ports.

The inclusion of a dedicated New Zealand cruise in 2005 signals growing demand to view ports of call among Australians.

Renowned for her elegance and stylish onboard features, including an abundance of balcony cabins, Pacific Princess is expected to entice more New Zealand travellers to experience the pleasures of luxury cruising as she sails to a record 18 new destinations

The new programme will see Pacific Princess make her debut in tropical Queensland, with four cruises to the picturesque destinations of Whitsundays, Cairns, Port Douglas, Townsville and Cooktown. Fares on these cruises start from NZ$2641 per person in a twin cabin for 10 nights, under P&O Cruises' early bird fare offer*.

Passengers can also take in the delights of Australia's southern coastline with a new eight-night cruise to Tasmania, visiting Coles Bay on the island State's stunning Freycinet Peninsula, as well as historic Hobart, Port Arthur, Devonport and the Victorian capital, Melbourne. The cruise is priced from NZD$2194 per person in a twin cabin*.

Meanwhile, Pacific Princess' 13-night maiden New Zealand cruise from Sydney includes visits to majestic Milford Sound and the tranquil Bay of Islands, as well as calls to Dunedin, Christchurch, Picton and Auckland enroute. Fares start from NZD$3303 per person in a twin cabin*.

The ship's third season of Australasian cruising will also feature eight different South Pacific voyages, offering a choice of 15 remote destinations. These include maiden visits to Fiji's idyllic Dravuni Island and New Caledonia's exotic Hienghene, renowned for its breath-taking black limestone cliffs. Fares start from NZD$2284 per person for a twin cabin on a nine-night cruise*.

The new programme features 20 per cent Pacific Saver discounts on all cruises, a 30 per cent saving for group bookings and a 25 per cent early bird discount for bookings made before February 29, 2004.

Announcing the 2004-05 programme, P&O Cruise's business development manager Shannon Currie said the new cruise options reflected increased passenger desire to enjoy the Pacific Princess cruise experience in a range of locations.

"With its stylish décor, superior service, choice of restaurants and luxury spa facility, Pacific Princess really is the cruise alternative to a luxury resort. The introduction of so many new cruises for Pacific Princess means New Zealanders now have even more choice when it comes to taking a premium holiday."

For copies of the new Pacific Princess brochure or to make a booking contact P&O Cruises Reservations on 0800 441 766 or at http://www.pocruises.com.au/ or visit a licensed travel agent.

* applying 25% early bird discount

Issued for P&O Cruises by Pead PR

© Scoop Media