P&O Cruises has launched its inaugural cruise program from Western Australia, with its popular Pacific Sun set to become the first cruise ship ever to visit the remote Australian territory of Christmas Island.
The historic visits will form part of a series of 16-night voyages to Indonesia, which will see the cruise line paying maiden visits to the exotic ports of Lombok, Komodo and Semarang as well as the Western Australian towns of Broome and Geraldton.
Passengers on the cruises will also enjoy sailing by the remarkable cliff faces of Australia’s most westerly point, Steep Point, as well as paying a memorable visit to the location of HMAS Sydney.
On sale from December 15, the new cruise program covers the period from December 2009 to February 2010, with Pacific Sun offering a total of six cruises from Fremantle, including four voyages to Indonesia and two three-night sampler cruises.
Announcing the new itineraries, Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, which operates P&O Cruises, said the cruise line was excited to introduce so many new ports to its cruise offerings.
"We’re particularly thrilled to be the first cruise line ever to offer Christmas Island - a destination so many Australians have heard of but so few have been to," Ms Sherry said. "It’s a place that is rich in history and in flora and fauna, with ecologists describing the annual red crab mass migration to the sea to spawn as one of the wonders of the natural world."
Ms Sherry said the company was working with the Federal Government and tourism authorities to ensure the anchoring facilities at the island could cater for cruise ships.
"Christmas Island will be a wonderful point of interest on the way to Indonesia, a country which an estimated 200,000-plus Australian holidaymakers visit each year," she said.
"Australians are great travellers who love experiencing different cultures, so we think they'll be keen to try Pacific Sun’s new itinerary. It mixes adventure and comfort and really shows how fast the cruise industry is maturing in this country."
The Indonesian voyages will also visit the amazing island of Komodo, home to gigantic monitor lizards, the tranquil waters of Lombok, beautiful Bali and the cultural city of Semarang. The cruises are priced from $1849* per person quad-share and $2999* per person twin-share under a special early bird booking offer available until March 15, 2009.
Holidaymakers interested in taking a short voyage can also enjoy cruises ranging from two to 11 nights as Pacific Sun sails between Brisbane and Fremantle in December 2009 and Fremantle and Sydney in February 2010. Perfect for travellers keen to try cruising, these shorter sampler cruises and coastal voyages will feature special themes and hosted events and are priced from $199* per person quad share or $299* per person twin share.
For more information and bookings contact a licensed travel agent or P&O Cruises on 13 24 69 or visit www.pocruises.com.au
For more information and bookings contact a licensed travel agent or P&O Cruises on 13 24 69 or visit www.pocruises.com.au
*Fares are cruise only, per person in a complete quad or twin cabin and include all main meals and entertainment onboard. Subject to availability, conditions apply.