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P&O Passengers Become First to Step Foot on Conflict Islands

P&OCruises' Pacific Jewel made history last week becoming the first cruise ship tocall at one of the most remote island groups in the world - the ConflictIslands in Papua New Guinea.

Theuninhabited islands became P&O's latest cruise destination – and eighth portin Papua New Guinea – when the 2000-guest ship anchored off Panasesa Islandlast Tuesday.

The historic callwas part of a landmark partnership for the region, with the cruise line workingclosely with entrepreneur and passionate conservationist Ian Gowrie-Smith tobring cruise ships to his islands - one of only a few parcels of land ownedfreehold in Papua New Guinea.

A picturesquegroup of 21 islands surrounding a bright blue lagoon, the Conflict Islands arehome to one of the world's most biodiverse reef systems. During their visit, guestsmade the most of the island paradise taking part in kayaking, snorkeling andstand-up paddleboarding as well as glass bottom boat and outrigger canoe tours.

The only cruise line offering calls to the untouched Conflict Islands, P&Ohas added the destination to 11 of its Papua New Guinea itineraries in 2016.

P&O Cruises President Sture Myrmell said P&O was excited to bebringing undiscovered paradises like the Conflict Islands within reach of moreAustralian holidaymakers.

"Even though they are close to Australia, many of Papua New Guinea's picturesqueislands are rarely visited because they are difficult to access. Cruisingreally is the easiest way to see this stunning corner of the world so we'rethrilled to add the beautiful Conflict Islands to our great list ofdestinations," Mr Myrmell said.

For more information visitpocruises.com.au, call 13 24 94 or see a licensed travel agent.

Note to editors: Theregion's largest and longest-serving cruise operator, P&O Cruises Australialeads the way in cruising as Australasia's only 'home brand' and its favourite cruiseline. P&O Cruises has been sailing the region for more than 80 years, andhas pioneered new destinations around Australia, the Pacific and Asia includingPapua New Guinea, as reported in the New York Times' 52 top destinations for2015. P&O Cruises is the nation's largest cruise line with five shipscruising from eight home ports in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. InNovember 2015 Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden were added to the cruise line'sexisting three-ship fleet and in 2017 P&O Cruises will welcome its latestship – Pacific Explorer. In another milestone, P&O will become the firstcruise line to build a ship specifically for the local market, launchingabrand new 135,500-tonne ship in 2019 - the biggest cruise ship ever tobe based fulltime in Australia.

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