By
Elizabeth Robinson |
P&O Cruises’ Pacific Jewel has arrived in New Zealand to begin her first-ever spring cruise season in the country.
The 70,310gt vessel will start the season with a three-night food and wine cruise and then sail seven roundtrip cruises before departing on 31 October.
During her maiden season, Pacific Jewel will carry nearly 20,000 guests, including around 15,000 first-time cruisers, which will help to boost the growth of the New Zealand cruise market. P&O Cruises’ New Zealand season is expected to inject around NZS$8 million into the local economy through guest and crew spending, provedoring and port fees and charges.
“More Kiwis are choosing a cruise holiday than ever before and we want to open the world of cruising up to more families and couples in New Zealand by offering a range of itineraries that cater for all types of travellers,” said Sture Myrmell, P&O Cruises’ president. “As New Zealand’s only homeported cruise line, we know it’s important to create a product that features the best local product and talent and that’s why we’re working closely with a record number of local suppliers, growers and musicians during this cruise season.”
Accommodating 1,950 guests, Pacific Jewel features almost 200 private balcony rooms and mini-suites, a spa with ocean views and a host of onboard activities including the P&O Edge Adventure Park. Meadow Mushrooms, lamb specialists Integrated Foods Group, Massimo’s Italian Cheeses and Mission Estate Winery will be among 37 New Zealand firms providing fresh produce to the ship while she is based in Auckland.
P&O Cruises will return to New Zealand between March and 23 August 2018, offering 22 cruises, up from 15 in 2017.