Carnival Australia has
announced major changes for
next year, including the sale of
P&O’s Pacific Sun and upgrades
to Dawn.
PASSENGERS booked on Pacific Sun from 08
July 2012 will need to switch cruises or get a
refund as the ship has been sold to an
undisclosed buyer.
According to Cruise Weekly sources, the 25-
year-old, 1,900-passenger superliner was
recently purchased by a Chinese company,
which is likely to launch new cruises out of
China towards the end of next year.
A spokesperson for P&O would not confirm
the rumour, saying: “Details of the buyer and
the price are not being disclosed by Carnival
Australia and are matters for the buyer to
consider.”
Sun has been with the P&O fleet for more
than seven years and will operate its final local
voyage, from Brisbane to the Pacific Islands, on
1 July 2012.
Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, said
many past passengers would want to sail for
the last time on “Australia’s favourite cruise
ship” to say goodbye.
“We will be happy to welcome them onboard
as Pacific Sun completes her proud service
with P&O Cruises,” she said.
Cabins are still available for several sailings
departing from Brisbane, Sydney and
Newcastle between January and June 2012.
Sherry said Pacific Sun had made a big
contribution to the growth of the local cruise
industry and had introduced thousands of
people to cruising.
“It is thanks to her popularity that we have
grown so quickly and successfully,” she said.
P&O Cruises is currently assisting passengers
affected by the sale to rebook onto other ships
or to receive a full refund if no alternative
cruise choice is suitable.
MEANWHILE, the Queensland-based Pacific
Dawn will undergo a major refurbishment in
April, adding interconnecting family cabins and
a giant entertainment screen on the top deck.
The ship’s 50 suites and mini-suites will also
be upgraded with new furnishings, carpets and
artworks.
Public areas to be revamped include the
buffet, show lounge and two bars – Bengal Bar
will be transformed into the sports-themed
Orient Pub, and Baccus Bar will become Mix
cocktail bar.
Announcing the changes, Sture Myrmell, vice
president of hotel operations at Carnival
Australia, said the changes would give Dawn
some of the most popular features found on
other P&O ships, such as Pacific Pearl and Jewel.
