P&O Cruises’ into a Record Cairns Season

Pacific Eden

P&O Cruises’ newly refurbished ship, Pacific Eden, arrived in Cairns today to start a record three month home-ported cruise season.

The 55,820-tonne vessel‘s first voyage departs this afternoon on a nine-night cruise to Papua New Guinea stopping at P&O’s latest destination, the Conflict Islands, which is well known for having the world’s most biodiverse reef systems

Pacific Eden will undertake 10 roundtrip cruises from Cairns this year including a mix of longer itineraries to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands and short SeaBreaks to Fraser Island and the Whitsundays. It will be the first time P&O has cruised to Airlie Beach and Fraser Island round-trip from Cairns.

More than 14,000 holidaymakers will sail on Pacific Eden between now and November 6, 2017. A third (36 per cent) of guests will travel from interstate to join the ship providing a boost to local businesses.

P&O’s record Cairns cruise season is expected to inject around $11 million into the local economy in guest and crew spending, provedoring and port charges.

Earlier this month, Pacific Eden underwent a multi-million dollar dry dock in Singapore where she emerged with two newly refurbished entertainment venues.

Pacific Eden’s two-storey Marquee Show Lounge was given a stylish new look-and-feel with a dramatic black, white and emerald-green colour scheme, custom wallpaper and unique artworks.

Popular late night hot spot, The Dome, was updated to take on a contemporary nautical theme with navy blue and white hues, drapes and soft lighting.

Select suites and balcony cabins received new carpets and outdoor furniture while the cinema, spa, gym and kids clubs were revitalised. In total, 11,000 square metres of new carpet was fitted on the 1500-guest ship.

Completing her transformation, Pacific Eden now wears the signature Southern Cross livery emblazoned on her hull, which was debuted by Pacific Explorer in June this year.

P&O Cruises President Sture Myrmell said Pacific Eden’s presence in Cairns provided a convenient, practical and great value opportunity for locals to cruise from their doorstep.

“It’s now even easier for residents of Far North Queensland to take a break and explore the idyllic remote beaches, culture and history found on the relatively untouched Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea,” Mr Myrmell said.

“Australians based interstate can combine a short break in the Tropical North with a cruise holiday to experience the world famous Great Barrier Reef, hidden white sand beaches and incredible wildlife at Australia’s sunny gateway to the tropics.”

Pacific Eden's cruises include a 4-night Whitsundays cruise departing Cairns on September 12, 2017. Fares start from $249* per person quad share.

For more information visit pocruises.com.au, call 13 24 94 or see a licensed travel agent.
*subject to availability, conditions apply