P&O Cruisers' Favourite Port - A Mystery No More!
Date: 04 Sep 2007
Passengers sailing to the South Pacific with P&O Cruises have voted Mystery Island their favourite port of call, with onboard survey results showing the tiny Vanuatu islet is a consistent hit with cruise-goers.
Mystery Island, originally named Inyueg, is tucked away at the extreme southern end of the Vanuatu archipelago and earnt its colloquial name in the 1940s after United States military personnel constructed a well-hidden airstrip on the island to service forces in the South Pacific during World War 2.
Today it is an oasis of pure white sand, palm trees and thriving coral gardens that teem with marine life, creating an idyllic escape for passengers who enjoy exclusive access to the islet.
Of the many South Pacific islands that P&O Cruises’ ships visit, Mystery Island is one of only a few that are uninhabited. The only regular visitors to the isle are a handful of local Ni-Vanuatuans from neighbouring islands that come to sell trinkets and handicrafts when cruise passengers call for the day.
P&O Cruises Australia’s first superliner Pacific Dawn will visit the top-ranking island as part of its South Pacific cruising schedule, so holidaymakers who want to add a touch of mystery to their next escape should get in early and book now.
Available cruises include a Pacific Dawn nine-night holiday departing April 23, 2008, and visiting Mystery Island, Vila and Noumea start at $1061 per person in a complete inside or outside quad-share cabin, or $1630 per person in a complete inside or outside twin-share cabin including accommodation, all main meals and activities onboard.
Pacific Dawn will also sail to Mystery Island as part of a 10-night cruise departing May 2, 2008, visiting Emerald Bay and Noumea in New Caledonia and Wala in Vanuatu. Fares for this cruise start at $1110 per person in a complete inside or outside quad-share cabin, or $1722 per person in a complete inside or outside twin-share cabin.
These special fares apply to bookings made by September 30, 2007, subject to availability.
The 70,000-ton Pacific Dawn was designed by famous Italian architect Renzo Piano and features 11 decks with two swimming pools, a choice of five evening dining areas, nine bars and lounges, a three-storey atrium lobby, “The Dome” entertainment area, a two-storey show lounge, fitness centre and dedicated children’s facilities.
For more information or to book a Mystery Island cruise, 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 Australian dollars, in complete inside quad cabins based on Earlybird fares ie. lead cabin category available. Subject to availability, conditions apply. Book by September 30, 2007 to take advantage of earlybird fares quoted.
