P&O Takes Guests to a Whole New World in Latest Program
Friday, October 28, 2016
P&O Cruises will open up new worlds for its guests onboard and on land next year, with the launch of Australia’s first virtual reality experience at sea as well as the cruise line’s first port in the remote Kimberley region.
As part of an exclusive partnership with Sony Interactive Entertainment Australia, P&O will unveil a PlayStation®VR experience which will take guests to extraordinary new worlds at sea. The technology will roll out across the fleet over the next 12 months, starting with Pacific Jewel later this year.
P&O has also announced it will make its first call to the Kimberley, adding Kuri Bay - a remote coastal bay north of Broome boasting magnificent red rock escarpments and a turquoise bay - to its cruise offerings from Fremantle.
During calls to Kuri Bay, guests will have the chance to explore the spectacular wilderness of the Kimberley through walking tours and scenic flights or visit a Paspaley pearl farm. Fares start from $1099* per person quad share for a nine-night cruise to Kuri Bay departing May 16, 2017, and also featuring a call to Exmouth and an overnight stay in Broome.
Releasing its 2017-18 program, the cruise line has also revealed more details about its latest ship, the 77,400-tonne Pacific Explorer, including the first look at the ship’s spectacular waterslides which shoot over the side and feature a section of transparent tubing as well as a multi-coloured lighting effect. Fares on Pacific Explorer start from $1199* per person quad share for the ship’s 10-night inaugural cruise to the Pacific Islands, departing Sydney on June 22, 2017.
The program also includes more details of Pacific Dawn’s refurbishment in March with the Brisbane-based ship set to receive a new dining offering indulging Australians’ love of seafood, as well as The Pantry, which will replace the traditional buffet, and its own waterpark with two slides snaking their way from the funnel to the top deck.
As the official cruise line of the NRL in 2017, P&O is upping its league offerings to include two State of Origin cruises. The 2017 Holden State of Origin cruises will depart from Sydney and Brisbane, with fares from $999* per person quad share for a seven-day cruise, including transfers and entry.
Highlighting Tasmania as the place to cruise in 2017, a new four-night Sea Break will depart from Sydney to Port Arthur while a new eight-night itinerary from Adelaide will offer the best of the Apple Isle with calls to Hobart and Port Arthur along with scenic cruising of Wineglass Bay and Great Oyster Bay. Prices start from $1849* per person quad share for an eight-night cruise from Melbourne.
Announcing details of the jam-packed program, P&O Cruises Vice President Marketing and Sales Simon Cheng said the cruise line was taking it up a notch in the new year.
“Whether it’s a new adventure to the stunningly beautiful Kimberley coast or a virtual journey from the comfort of one of our ships, we have something for every traveller in our new program,” Mr Cheng said.
“When you cruise with P&O the possibilities are endless and we couldn’t be more excited about the thrilling, entertaining and delicious additions to the fleet in 2017 – it’s going to be a feast for the senses.”