P&O Cruises Australia’s flagship, Pacific Explorer, received a spectacular welcome to Brisbane this morning, marking the first cruise ship to dock at the state-of-the-art Brisbane International Cruise Terminal (BICT) as cruising restarts in Australia.
History was made as Pacific Explorer became the first cruise ship to berth at the BICT, which was underwritten by Carnival Australia through its long-term commitment. Her arrival marked the half-way point in the first guest cruise from Sydney following the restart of cruising in Australia, passing down the Brisbane River at 7.00am.
Detailing her excitement for the resumption of cruising in Queensland, P&O Cruises Australia President Marguerite Fitzgerald said Queensland is once again set to be a key market for cruising in Australia after a two-year pause in operations.
“Today’s arrival in Brisbane heralds the resurgence of the cruise industry in Queensland with its multitude of cruise destinations now set to benefit from the revitalisation of cruise tourism” P&O Cruises Australia President Marguerite Fitzgerald said.
“Prior to the pandemic, cruising accounted for more than $1 billion annually in economic activity in Queensland with regional destinations from Moreton Island to Cairns benefiting.”
Proud Queenslander, Ricki-Lee Coulter welcomed guests as they arrived at the BICT for the first-time with a rousing rendition of ‘Love you Queensland’.
“I’m thrilled that P&O Cruises’ Pacific Explorer is making history here today as it becomes the first cruise ship to dock at the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal,” said Ms Fitzgerald.
Ms Fitzgerald said P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Encounter will take up residence in Brisbane as her home port from August 2022.
Pacific Explorer will spend the day docked at the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal whilst guests enjoy shore tours and the sites of Brisbane before heading back to Sydney on the return leg of the four-day cruise.
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