In a multi-million dollar boost for the Victorian tourism industry, P&O Cruises has announced it will offer more cruises from Melbourne in 2015 following strong interest in voyages from the city.
The cruise line’s new program, launched today, will see P&O Cruises’ superliner Pacific Jewel deployed to Melbourne in February and March 2015, offering five different roundtrip cruise options including holidays to South Australia and Tasmania.
The new program also features a special cruise from Sydney to Melbourne for the Australian Open Tennis in January 2015 as well as two ships visiting Melbourne for the Melbourne Cup in November 2014.
P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Tammy Marshall said the 2015 cruise schedule was expected to generate more than $5 million for the Victorian economy.
“Every ship call creates revenue through passenger and crew spending, but when we base a ship in a city there is also extra revenue generated through provedoring, port charges, accommodation, taxis and dining,” Ms Marshall said.
Ms Marshall said the longer 2015 cruise program built on the 2014 program which included three roundtrip cruise options from Victoria.
“We’ve had strong interest in our 2014 cruises so we think the new Pacific Jewel season of cruises from Melbourne will be a winner.”
Fares start from $499* for a three night P&OSeaBreak cruise visiting Burnie, while an 11-night cruise to South Australia and Tasmania is priced from $1349* per person quad share.
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 HealthSpaFitness – 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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