Abhi Nair, photo manager on P&O Cruises’ flagship Pacific Explorer, captured an iconic Australia Day image of Pacific Eden with three Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18 Hornets swooping low over Sydney Harbour in salute of the national day.

 As the three jets from RAAF Base Williamtown dazzled spectators including thousands of P&O guests in Sydney on Australia Day Cruises, Abhi knew he had just one chance to record the fleeting moment.

 And he did in fine style as the aircraft roared down the harbour between Pacific Explorer and Pacific Eden — for Abhi, Pacific Explorer provided the perfect vantage point to capture the low-level flypast. 

“It was really a great experience to see these man-made wonders of technology fly past us during the Australia Day celebrations,” Abhi said. 

Abhi’s image of the Hornets and Pacific Eden, and many other celebratory shots taken on the day, also confirmed how P&O’s Australia Day cruises place guests in Sydney for all of the excitement of the big day.

 This year, Sydney-based Pacific Explorer and Pacific Eden were moored in the harbour and Brisbane-based Pacific Aria was berthed at White Bay Cruise Terminal. 

“Our ships have participated in Sydney Harbour’s  Australia Day celebrations for the past seven years and Abhi’s iconic shot of the RAAF flypast shows just how spectacular the day can be for our guests,” said P&O Cruises President Sture Myrmell. 

“Australia Day cruises for 2020 are on sale providing a great opportunity for anyone who wants to see the harbour come alive on Australia’s national day of celebration.”