Jumbo on a Jewel – P&O Cruises Puts Elephants to Sea 

Affectionately known as Ertha and Dubbo, the mother and baby elephants are life-size and life-like puppets that stand 3 and 1.5 metres tall respectively.

The new stars have been created by artists in Sydney especially for Run Away to the Circus show, which will debut on Pacific Jewel when she is launched on December 12.

The 45-minute show will feature a troupe of 14 dancers and circus artists performing to a great sound track, ranging from Britney Spears’ "Circus" to Tears for Fears’ "Mad World".

But P&O Cruises is predicting it will be the incredibly cute Ertha and Dubbo who will steal the show.

Made from paper, cloth and a moveable metal frame, the animals have come to life over the past few months in the puppet workshop Erth, which has created replica dinosaurs for museums around the world.

Both elephants move just like their real counterparts, but are controlled by specially trained Pacific Jewel performers.

P&O Cruises’ Entertainment Manager Brett Annable said the new show was expected to be a huge success.

"We wanted a show that was vibrant and energetic and the circus theme is perfect for Pacific Jewel, because the ship features an aerial stage for circus acts on its pool deck," Mr Annable said.

"We also wanted a show that would surprise people and I think we’ll achieve that - the last thing people expect to see on a ship is an elephant! Ertha and Dubbo's appearance will be a magical moment for passengers and will create a lasting holiday memory."

Pacific Jewel will also feature another new show, Girt by Sea, showcasing a range of contemporary Australian music, and the popular audience-participation show Pirates of the Pacific.

Pacific Jewel debuts on December 13 and will be based in Sydney full-time offering a range of cruises.

A 10-night cruise to the South Pacific visiting Noumea, Ouvea, Vila and Wala departs Sydney August 7 with fares starting from $1829* complete twin.

* Subject to availability. Conditions apply.