The Australian cruise industry is booming, and P&O is the latest line to tap into the huge passenger potential. Now, the line is making history as the first company to build a ship specifically for the Australian market. For fans of Down Under voyages, the new addition will up the ante with state of the art features, fabulous itineraries and of course, P&O’s trademark world class service.
Raising the bar for Australian cruise ship standards
Scheduled for launch in 2019, the 135,500-tonne ship will be the biggest vessel permanently based in Australian shores. Capable of carrying 4,200 guests, the ship will double the capacity of the biggest vessel that currently calls Australia home! Unsurprisingly the ship will be based out of Sydney, catering for the chock-a-block summer season, as well as the quieter winter months. While destinations have not yet been confirmed, P&O has revealed that the new ship will run three to 10 day voyages. It will join fellow Australian based fleet members Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden as part of P&Os continuous Down Under expansion.
“The much anticipated first newbuild cruise ship is a huge vote of confidence in the Australian cruise market with much of the 20 per cent year-on-year passenger growth over the past decade driven by P&O Cruises’ dynamic industry leadership,” commented Carnival Australia Executive Chairman Ann Sherry.
Reimagining the Australian cruise industry
P&O has hailed the new design as a “game changer” for the Australian cruising market. The mega-liner will be constructed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. As well as taking on the new Australian fleet member Fincantieri will also be raising three other vessels for Carnival Corporation. This will bring the vessel count of the world’s largest travel and leisure company to a huge 99 ships.
“P&O Cruises is the modern face of Australian cruising and, with such a proud heritage of leadership, it is a natural step to announce that the line will take delivery of its first newbuild ship,” said P&O Cruises Australia President Sture Myrmell.
With sun kissed weather, stunning natural landscapes and a wonderfully laid back lifestyle, Australia is becoming an increasingly popular choice for international cruisers. Cruise 1st has a fantastic line up of Aussie itineraries, from whirlwind weekend getaways to extravagant multi-destination trips that sail throughout the Australasia region. For an even more adventure, why not team a cruise with a Cruise 1st land tour to buzzing cities, pristine beaches, gorgeous landscapes and more. Call our sales team now on 0808 2746 777.
Image via Flickr Creative Commons. Photo credits: Roderick Eime
