P&O Cruises has announced that it will offer roundtrip cruises from Adelaide for the first time in its 80-year history, in a move which marks the growing popularity of cruising in South Australia and an economic boost for the State.
Revealing details of its new 2014-15 schedule of cruises today, the cruise line confirmed its superliner Pacific Jewel will offer two roundtrip cruises from Adelaide in early 2015.
Holidaymakers will be able to choose from an 11-night and a nine-night cruise, both taking in highlights of Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia. Fares will start from $1199* per person quad share for nine nights. The cruise line will also offer a six-night cruise from Adelaide to Fremantle as well as a six-night cruise from Sydney to Adelaide.
In all, Pacific Jewel will make a total of 11 visits to South Australian ports, including three calls each to Adelaide, Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln and two to Robe.
Announcing the move, P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Tammy Marshall said the new schedule put South Australia on the nation’s cruise map and would provide a multi-million dollar boon for the local tourism industry and economy.
Carrying 1900 passengers, Pacific Jewel’s two turnaround calls to Adelaide are expected to inject up to $1 million each into the local economy in passenger and crew spending and port charges, while day visits to other South Australian ports could generate up to $500,000 each.
“As demand for cruising grows across Australia we’re seeing an increase in passenger numbers from South Australia as well as growing interest in South Australian cruise destinations from travellers across Australia,” Ms Marshall said.
“Our latest program responds to that demand and we expect the South Australian cruises to be very popular among local and interstate travellers. Cruises to destinations like Kangaroo Island, Port Lincoln, Robe and Adelaide offer a wonderful chance for Australians to see more of their country and visit a range of ports in one easy holiday.”
Ms Marshall described the new program as a milestone for the cruise line, with its fleet of three ships offering roundtrip cruises from every mainland state for the first time.
P&O Cruises is Australia’s leading cruise line, carrying hundreds of thousands of Australians on holidays each year on its three ships: Pacific Dawn, Pacific Jewel and Pacific Pearl.
Pacific Jewel carries 1900 passengers with features including Aqua HealthSpaFitnes – the largest spa in P&O Cruises’ Australian fleet – an aerial stage for circus performances on deck and five dining options including Salt Grill by Luke Mangan. The ship also offers eight bars and lounges, two swimming pools and four kids’ clubs.
For more information visit www.pocruises.com.au phone 13 24 94 or see a licensed travel agent
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