Australia’s Latest Ship Pacific Eden Makes Maiden Visit to Adelaide

Adelaide has welcomed Australia’s latest cruise ship P&O Cruises' Pacific Eden on its maiden visit to the city, ahead of its debut season of South Australian cruises next year.

Heralded as a game changer for the Australian cruise industry, the stylish 55,820-tonne Pacific Eden is set to return to Adelaide in March 2016 to offer P&O’s biggest season of cruising from the State – a series of six cruises that will carry an estimated 9000 guests from the city and deliver more than $5 million into the local economy.

According to industry figures, South Australia is one of the fastest growing cruise states in Australia with almost 58,000 South Australians cruising in 2014, an increase of 23 per cent on the previous year.

About 1500 guests are onboard for Pacific Eden’s historic first voyage which departed Fremantle last Sunday and called at Esperance on Tuesday. After departing Adelaide this afternoon, Pacific Eden will call at Kangaroo Island tomorrow, before sailing to Melbourne (Nov 23) and Sydney.

Pacific Eden will be christened by actress Kate Ritchie in a dual naming ceremony on Sydney Harbour on November 25 alongside sister ship Pacific Aria, which will be named by singer Jessica Mauboy. The ceremony will be a key part of P&O Cruises’ Five Ship Spectacular which will see its entire five-ship fleet meet in Sydney for the first time for a day of celebrations.

Forging a new direction for the cruise industry, Pacific Eden and Pacific Aria take local cruising to the next level with a stunning design which reflects the contemporary style of modern Australia, while capturing the relaxed and sometimes cheeky spirit Australians are known for. Pacific Eden features 15 dining options including a plush private dining room and Luke Mangan’s Salt grill, luxe new bars, a resort-style pool deck and a child-free Oasis with private cabanas.

P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Sture Myrmell said the addition of Pacific Eden and Pacific Aria to the cruise line’s existing three ship fleet had enabled P&O to expand its home port offering across six different cities, including Adelaide.

“With the growth of our fleet we’ve not only been able to offer more cruises which visit great ports such as Adelaide, Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln, we’ve also been able to base ships in Adelaide so that South Australians can enjoy cruises from their own doorstep,” Mr Myrmell said. “It’s great news for holidaymakers and it’s also wonderful news for the South Australian economy.

“Both Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden represent the next generation of P&O ships inspired by modern Australia. They are unlike any other ship sailing our waters and we think South Australians will love their offering of affordable luxury.”

Pacific Eden’s 2016 deployment will feature six cruises from the city, including three-night food and wine and comedy cruises as well as short cruises to Port Lincoln and Melbourne.