P&O Cruises’ Pacific Aria Returns for Longest New Zealand Cruise Season as part of New 2020 Program


Thursday, October 18, 2018

P&O Cruises has announced the return of Pacific Aria to Auckland for the cruise line’s longest New Zealand season to date spanning seven months from April to October 2020.

P&O’s program release for New Zealand features a new 14-night Bounty Adventure round-trip itinerary on Pacific Aria departing Auckland in July 2020 and including calls to Norfolk Island, Nuku’alofa, Vava’u, a cruise by The Bounty of the Mutiny site, Suva, Port Denarau and Dravuni Island.

The Bounty Adventure is part of P&O’s new ‘Voyages’ itineraries which offer exclusive onboard experiences for sailings 13-nights and longer.

P&O 'Voyages' will visit numerous exotic international destinations while offering an enhanced onboard experience starting with the Captain’s Gala Cocktail Party where guests have the chance to meet the Master and Senior Officers. 

Throughout the longer cruise, guests can take part in a range of presentations and activities covering topics that include current affairs, the arts and culinary experiences with appearances, talks and seminars from notable Australian guest presenters.  The events lead to a sparkling Masquerade Ball where guests can dance the night away.

The new program sees P&O offer 18 cruises of between eight-12 nights from Auckland to the popular South Pacific Islands, with 12 of these cruises calling at Fiji. A new 10-night Bounty Discovery itinerary will stop at Norfolk Island, Noumea, Lifou, Port Vila and Mystery Island with departures in April, June, July and September. 

P&O Cruises President Sture Myrmell said the new 2020 program offered Kiwis an exciting selection of new itineraries during its longest ever homeported season. 

“With Pacific Aria homeporting in Auckland for seven months we have even more opportunities to offer new longer itineraries that showcase the incredible beauty of the South Pacific. The added benefit of our ‘Voyages’ cruise provides an enhanced onboard experience for guests and an opportunity to try new things and sample some new entertainment options,” Mr Myrmell said. 

The program will also include a four-night Short Break cruise to Napier and three themed round-trip sailings. A dedicated one-way four-night comedy cruise will depart Auckland for Sydney in October 2020. 

Accommodating 1500 guests, the 55,820-tonne Pacific Aria features 120 balcony cabins, 28 suites with private balcony and a Penthouse. Its many dining options include Chef’s Table and Salt grill by Luke Mangan, The Waterfront and international food market The Pantry as well as 10 bars and lounges and a cellar door. Guests can keep entertained with many onboard activities including P&O Edge Adventure Park, a premium cinema and spa.

Pacific Aria will reposition from Adelaide to Auckland with a six-night cruise departing April 6, 2020.
P&O Cruises’ 2020 program will go on sale on October 23, 2018.