Ship will sail 10 roundtrips from the Australian port, embarking more than 14,000 passengers
By
Rebecca Gibson |
P&O Cruises’ newly refurbished Pacific Eden has started her record three-month cruise season sailing from her new homeport of Cairns in Australia.
Pacific Eden departed on the first of her 10 roundtrips from Cairns on 24 August, embarking on a nine-night cruise to Papua New Guinea, calling at P&O’s newest cruise destination, the Conflict Islands. The ship will sail a mix of longer itineraries to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, and short ‘SeaBreaks’ to Fraser Island and the Whitsundays. It will be the first time P&O has cruised to Airlie Beach and Fraser Island roundtrip from Cairns.
More than 14,000 guests will sail on Pacific Eden between 24 August and 6 November 2017, with more than a third of these guests coming from other states to embark on the ship. The record season is expected to inject around AUS$11 million into the local economy in guest and crew spending, provedoring and port charges.
“It’s now even easier for residents of Far North Queensland to take a break and explore the idyllic remote beaches, culture and history found on the relatively untouched Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea,” said Sture Myrmell, P&O Cruises president. “Australians based interstate can combine a short break in the Tropical North with a cruise holiday to experience the world famous Great Barrier Reef, hidden white sand beaches and incredible wildlife at Australia's sunny gateway to the tropics.”
This August, Pacific Eden underwent a multi-million dollar dry dock in Singapore, where her hull was painted with P&O Australia’s signature Southern Cross livery emblazoned on her hull.
During the refit, Pacific Eden’s two-storey Marquee Show Lounge was repainted with a black, white and emerald green colour scheme, and decorated with custom wallpaper and unique artworks. Meanwhile, The Dome now has a contemporary nautical theme with navy blue and white hues, drapes and soft lighting.
Select suites and balcony cabins also received new carpets and outdoor furniture, while the cinema, spa, gym and children’s clubs were revitalised.