P&O Cruises Gladstone Inaugural Call ‘Take Two’ As Pacific Jewel Sails into Queensland’s Newest Cruise Destination

Ten days after P&O Cruises’ Pacific Dawn sailed into Gladstone for the first ever cruise call, sister ship Pacific Jewel today arrived for her inaugural visit with a second civic welcome and keys to the city presentation attended on this occasion by Queensland Minister for Tourism and Major Events Kate Jones.

The 70,000-tonne superliner carrying 2000 guests on a seven-night cruise from Sydney, with calls at Moreton Island and Mooloolaba on the way, is the first to arrive in Gladstone for an extended call with the full range of shore tour opportunities.

“Pacific Dawn’s call last week was a slightly abbreviated path-finding visit that has set the scene for Gladstone becoming a fantastic cruise destination with all the attractions of nation building infrastructure, the Great Barrier Reef and beautiful coastal townships,” P&O Cruises’ Destinations Director Michael Mihajlov said.

“Today is a case of Pacific Jewel being P&O Cruises’ Gladstone inaugural cruise ‘take two’. We couldn’t be more pleased that the local community and the Gladstone Regional Council are pulling out all stops to make Pacific Jewel’s passengers and crew feel just as welcome as those on board Pacific Dawn.”

Karen Sweeney, Tourism Manager with Gladstone Area Promotion and Development was among those who sailed into Gladstone on board Pacific Jewel this morning. During the cruise from Sydney, Karen was the Gladstone cruise ambassador giving presentations to passengers on all the things to do in her home town and region.

“It was very exciting to sail into Gladstone on Pacific Jewel having had the opportunity to showcase our region and to let everyone know that we have got it all,” Karen said. “We have the Great Barrier Reef and the fantastic markets with Feast on East and all the local tours.”

Karen was well armed with photos and videos to give Pacific Jewel’s passengers a preview of what they could expect to see on the day.

Pacific Jewel’s inaugural visit is one of seven P&O calls to Gladstone this year and more are scheduled for 2017. While in Gladstone passengers will have the opportunity to visit attractions that include:

• Cruising past Port Curtis Harbour highlights with expert commentary describing the many exciting aspects including major industry and islands in Gladstone’s busy natural harbour.
• Discovering Quoin Island Retreat, home to Central Queensland’s Turtle Rehabilitation Centre nestled within Gladstone Harbour which will include opportunities for personal encounters with Australian wildlife featuring turtles, wombats, pretty face wallabies, snakes, lizards and sugar gliders.
• Seeing the sights of Gladstone and the beautiful Southern Great Barrier Reef in style on a 35-minute scenic flight to Heron Island before enjoying a snorkel on the fringing reefs and exploring a tropical island.
• Experiencing the Feast on East Market which showcases local art, handmade crafts and enticing cuisine, set in the beautiful East Shores Precinct within walking distance from the ship.

Gladstone is one of a number of new cruise destinations in Queensland which has the distinction of having more cruise destinations than any other state in Australia.

P&O Cruises has added Moreton Island, Mooloolaba, Hamilton Island and Fraser Island to its cruise itineraries. Later this year, Cairns will become the first regional port in Queensland to homeport a P&O Cruises ship.