Pacific Dawn Makes First Visit to Denarau
Date: 26 Jun 2008
P&O Cruises Australia has made its inaugural call to the Fijian resort island of Denarau today as the cruise line prepares to deliver a record number of cruise passengers to the popular Pacific nation over the coming 18 months.
Pacific Dawn and her sister ship Pacific Sun will make more than 70 calls to Fijian ports from July 2008 to December 2009, while Sun Princess and Dawn Princess, operated by P&O Cruises Australia’s sister line, Princess Cruises, will make a further nine calls to Fiji.
The visits by the two cruise lines will deliver about 50,000 passengers and are expected to inject up to F$14 million into the local economy over the next 18 months, with each visit estimated to generate around F$200,000.
The Fijian Government Ministers of Tourism and Transport were both present to welcome Pacific Dawn into Port Denarau today, with Jenny Lourey, Senior Vice President of Carnival Australia, which represents the two lines.
Ms Lourey said that Fiji was a firm favourite with Australian passengers.
"We’re pleased to have so many visits to Fiji over the months ahead, including 18 calls to our new port of Denarau, which will be a big hit," Ms Lourey said.
She said P&O Cruises Australia and Princess Cruises were committed to contributing to the economic success of Fiji and its Pacific neighbours by supporting the development of tourism.
"Our ships call at more than 50 different ports in the South Pacific region, and in many of these ports we are the only visiting cruise line, making our support even more critical," Ms Lourey said.
"Recognising this, we are looking to develop even closer relationships with the local communities we visit and partner on projects that will help the cruising sector grow further in this region."
P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Dawn and Pacific Sun carry 2050 and 1900 passengers respectively, while superliners Sun Princess and Dawn Princess each carry 1950 passengers.
Pacific Dawn will visit Denarau next year as part of a 28-night round trip voyage to Tahiti, visiting 14 ports. Departing Sydney on June 4, 2009, fares are priced from $4995 per person twin share.
For more information and bookings contact a licensed travel agent or P&O Cruises Australia on 13 24 69 or visit www.pocruises.com.au
