P&O CELEBRATES 90 YEARS OF CRUISING IN SPECTACULAR SYDNEY STYLE

Australia’s favourite cruise line, P&O Cruises, will today make waves in Sydney Harbour as it celebrates 90 years of cruising in simply the best harbour in the world.

More than half a million people will sail with P&O this year, making it by far Australia’s number one choice for a cruise holiday.

P&O Cruises Australia President, Marguerite Fitzgerald said it was only fitting to mark nine decades of cruise holidays with a momentous celebration on board the magnificent Pacific Adventure.

“P&O pioneered cruising in Australia, with the first voyage out of Sydney. We are so pleased to be here for you 90 years on – we are yours Sydney,” Ms Fitzgerald said.

To mark the anniversary, superstar Ricki-Lee Coulter will be named Godmother to Pacific Adventure in a special on-board ceremony attended by more than 200 guests.

In true Sydney style, P&O’s talented entertainers will serenade guests, before Ricki-Lee takes the stage to perform Tina Turner’s smash hit, Simply the Best, as a nod to our fabulous guests, crew and suppliers.

“Today’s celebration on the prized Pacific Adventure is all about saying thank you to Sydney and all of NSW for supporting P&O from its very first day pioneering the perfect Aussie holiday.

“Holidaying with P&O is all about bringing people together. As someone who unites people through her music and sense of adventure, we think Ricki-Lee is the perfect ambassador.”

Ricki-Lee Coulter said it was an honour to be named Godmother as P&O commemorates 90 years of cruising.

“As we wish P&O a very happy birthday, my hope is good luck, fun and fortune for all those who love cruising on Pacific Adventure,” Ricki-Lee said.

Across 2023, Pacific Adventure will set sail on 58 voyages from Sydney. By the end of the year, she will have taken nearly 200,000 guests around Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

P&O Cruises is also proud to be supporting the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which provides such a vital service to our guests living in remote NSW communities.

Ms Fitzgerald said P&O Cruises has a strong track record supporting NSW, with Pacific Adventure based in Sydney throughout the year.

“Our commitment to calling Sydney home has been steadfast. We have invested in our ships and in the businesses that support us year-round to make sure that remains the case for decades to come,” Ms Fitzgerald said.

“Cruising supports so many communities, small businesses, tourism and hospitality operators with more than $3.3 billion injected into NSW and over $5.2 billion across our national economy.

“None of this of course is possible without all the love, support and passion for cruising and we thank the people of Sydney and NSW for making our 90^th milestone one to remember. Thank you.”

Footage including video and photos are available by emailing lynne.scrivens@carnivalaustralia.com

FAST FACTS

Overview on today's announcement

• Ricki-Lee Coulter will be Godmother of Pacific Adventure.
• Pacific Adventure has 58 voyages from Sydney this year, carrying nearly 200,000 guests. 
• P&O is proudly partnering with Royal Flying Doctor Service, supporting rural and regional health.

What does it mean to be a ship’s Godmother?

• The appointment of a ship’s godmother is a long held maritime tradition. 
• The Godmother’s role is thought to protect the vessel – to bring her good luck and safe travels.  

Our proud history

• The first P&O cruise from Australia was on the Strathaird in December 1932. It was a return voyage from Sydney, stopping at Brisbane and Norfolk Island, carrying 1,100 passengers.

All about Pacific Adventure 

• Pacific Adventure was built in 2000 at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. 
• She started life as Golden Princess, serving with Princess Cruises until 2020 when she joined the P&O fleet. 
• She is more than 290 metres long and weighs almost 109,000 gross tonnes. 
• Pacific Adventure can carry more than 2600 guests in 1316 rooms and 1100 crew, across 17 decks. 
• Pacific Adventure was last refurbished at dry dock in 2021, installing P&O’s signature features such as the Adventure Hotel, Blue Room and fan-favourite Italian restaurant - Angelo’s.  
• Today, she has returned from one of our signature themed cruises, a three-night round-trip comedy voyage. 
• From here, she will travel on a 10-night Discover Vanuatu itinerary, departing Sydney at 4pm today and heading to Mystery Island, Port Vila, and then on to Lifou Island and Noumea before returning to Sydney on 3 August. 

Cruising in NSW 

• NSW enjoys the biggest economic impact generated from the cruise industry in Australia.
• The cruise industry contributes $5.2 billion to the national economy. Of that, $3.3 billion goes to the NSW economy, employing 11,517 full time jobs in the state. 
• Guests that visit NSW are often staying longer before or after their cruise, with NSW receiving more than $1.55 billion of direct expenditure from cruise ships.