In a boon for the South Australian economy, Australia’s leading cruise line P&O Cruises is making history this week with a record four calls to local ports expected to inject close to $1 million into the State.
(photo credit: Robert Lang)
The 64,500-tonne Pacific Pearl made P&O Cruises’ first ever call to Port Lincoln on Sunday and is berthed at Kangaroo Island for the first time today. The superliner is also due to make the cruise line’s maiden visit to Robe tomorrow morning.
The 1800-passenger Pacific Pearl made her maiden call to Adelaide yesterday, with guests enjoying a full day in the city. The cruise line last visited the South Australian capital in 2011.
P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Tammy Marshall said the visits, which are part of a six-night roundtrip cruise from Melbourne, mark the start of a closer relationship with South Australia.
The cruise line will offer its first ever roundtrip cruises from Adelaide in 2015, with Pacific Jewel sailing on two cruises from the city in February and March.
The cruise line last week announced that it will return again in early 2016 for a series of four cruises to and from Adelaide.
“Australians love exploring their own country and cruising is the perfect way for them to visit towns and cities around the coastline in comfort,” Ms Marshall said.
Ms Marshall said Pacific Pearl’s guests would be enjoying tours in each port as they take in the local attractions.
In Port Lincoln, passengers had the option to swim with the tuna or the sea lions or get close to some great white sharks during a cage dive.
On Kangaroo Island, the cruise line is offering visits to the Seal Bay Conservation Park as well as Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch.
The visit to Adelaide saw guests exploring the city and nearby Hahndorf Village or travelling to the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale to sample the regions’ famous wines.
Meanwhile in Robe, tours to the Coonawarra wine region and the stunning Naracoorte Caves are expected to be popular with visitors.
With 11 passenger decks, Pacific Pearl features seven dining options including Salt Grill by Luke Mangan, eight bars and lounges, the Big Screen for poolside entertainment, Aqua HealthSpaFitness centre, two swimming pools, a swim-up bar, multi-level show lounge, four kids’ centres, boutiques and a child-free Oasis retreat area.