Content Section

P&O’s Pacific Pearl Cruises into Auckland to launch record cruise season and begin influx of Auckland Nines fans

NewZealand’s burgeoning cruise industry is set to receive a huge boost with thearrival of P&O Cruises’ Pacific Pearl into Auckland today for the launch ofthe cruise line’s biggest ever New Zealand season, lasting a record five months.<?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>

Timedto coincide with the Downer NRL Auckland Nines, Pacific Pearl’s arrival todaywill deliver scores of passionate RugbyLeague fans to New Zealand – as well as star player Brisbane Broncos teammember and New Zealand Kiwis Captain, Adam Blair, who has cruised from Sydneyto Auckland on the ship.

AnnSherry, Executive Chairman of Carnival Australia and New Zealand, whichoperates P&O Cruises, said the arrival of the rugby league fans by sea wasthe perfect way to kick off the record season.

PacificPearl’s five-month deployment will feature an unparalleled 20 cruises and willgenerate up to $20 million in economic value for New Zealand.

“Withthe recent addition of two ships to our fleet, we’ve been able to significantlyincrease our prescence in New Zealand to 20 cruises this year, compared to 10in 2015,” Ms Sherry said.

“Asa result, this year P&O will more than double the number of passengers wecarry on cruises from New Zealand, with a 122 per cent rise over our 2015numbers, reflecting New Zealanders’ growing passion for cruising.”

MsSherry said Pacific Pearl’s TransTasman cruise to the Downer NRL Auckland Nineswas a great example of P&O creatingunique itineraries to attract new audiences to New Zealand shores and benefitthe nation’s economy.

TheSydney to Auckland voyage to the Nines will increase the number ofinternational visitors attending the highly anticipated Rugby Leagueevent. The ship’s guests include almost 1000Australians, with scores signing up for a special cruise package which includedfour nights in Auckland and access to the Nines.

Namedin Auckland in 2010 by Olympian Barbara Kendall, the 1800-guest Pacific Pearlwill be based in Auckland from 4 February to 23 June 2016. The ship’sunprecedented season will feature 18roundtrip cruises and two voyages between Sydney and and Auckland.

MsSherry said Pacific Pearl’s wide programof itineraries visiting 11 different New Zealand ports would also offer holidaymakers greateropportunities to explore their own backyard this year and generate an evenbigger economic return to the country.

Ahighlight of its cruising schedule is a special 10-night circumnavigation ofNew Zealand calling at Napier, Wellington, Christchurch (Akaroa), and Pictonand offering scenic cruising through Fiordland’s stunning landscapes as well asthe cruise line’s maiden call to Stewart Island.

MsSherry said the cruise line was pleased that New Zealand will increasinglybenefit from the long value chain of cruising as it continues to grow as a resultof P&O Cruises’ expansion.

P&OCruises’ expanded cruise program will create more opportunities for New Zealandfood and beverage suppliers catering for cruises departing Auckland. Every turnaroundcruise ship visit is estimated to deliver close to $1 million to the localeconomy in passenger accommodation, dining, transport and shopping as well ascrew expenditure, supplies and port charges. Meanwhile visits to regionalcities can contribute up to $500,000 in passenger and crew spending.

Auckland Tourism, Events and EconomicDevelopment Chief Executive Brett O’Riley said, “Auckland is experiencing arecord cruise season, which is estimated to deliver $251.7 million to theregion. It’s fantastic to see P&O now leveraging one of our city’s majorevents and bringing Australian rugby league fans on a cruise to experience theNines and everything else Auckland has to offer.”

Itineraries on offer include:

·Athree-night Food & Wine themed cruise from Auckland on June 10, 2016,priced from NZ$399* per person quadshare

·A10-night South Pacific cruise roundtrip from Auckland, departing May 16, 2016with visits to Santo, Pentecoste, Vila and Mystery Island priced from NZ$899*per person quad share

·A10-night Kiwi Explorer cruise roundtrip from Auckland, departing February 28,2017 visits to Napier, Wellington, Akaroa, Stewart Island, Fiordland Park(scenic cruising) and Picton priced from NZ$1199* per person quad share

For more information and bookings seea licensed travel agent, visit pocruises.co.nz or call 0800 780 716.

Kaleidoscope powered