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P&O’s Pacific Pearl arrives with Auckland Nines fans to launch a dual 2017 cruise season
Morethan 1700 Nines supporters have sailed into Auckland this morning on P&O's PacificPearl, marking the start of a four-month season of cruises from New Zealand estimatedto contribute $20 million to the nation's economy.
Around40 per cent of guests on the P&O cruise are Australian, boosting the numberof international visitors to the two-day Downer NRL Auckland Nines event whichbegins tomorrow.
Thefour night cruise, which departed Sydney on January 31 was joined by famouspast players, providing the ultimate way for fans to prepare for the biggestrugby league event in the New Zealand calendar.
Guestswere joined by Rugby League personalities Steve Price, Steve Menzies and Brad Fittlerand renowned former referee, Bill Harrigan, who hosted footy-themedactivities, meet-and-greets and Q&A sessions with fans during their cruiseacross the Tasman.
PacificPearl's arrival marks the start of a special year of cruising for New Zealanders,with the cruise line offering two seasons from Auckland in 2017.
Pacific Pearlwill be based in Auckland until March 27 for her final season of cruises fromNew Zealand before she leaves the P&O fleet. Then in September, her sistership - the 2000-guest Pacific Jewel - will arrive in Auckland to offerP&O's first ever season of spring cruising, sailing on 8 roundtrip itinerariesfrom the city until October 31.
Between them the two ships will carry about 30,000 New Zealanders oncruise holidays, underlining the growing popularity of cruising amongst Kiwis.
P&O Cruises President Sture Myrmell said the cruise line was excitedto offer two New Zealand cruise seasons in 2017.
"With 18 cruises sailing from Auckland throughout the year, we will be givingNew Zealanders the biggest ever selection of cruises from their doorstep. It's all part of our commitment to investing in NewZealand and bringing more choice to the market," Mr Myrmell said.
"Our cruises will also be making a valuable economic contribution, with guestand crew spending, provedoring and port charges expected to contribute close to$20 million into the local economy.
Mr Myrmell said P&O, which was recently announced as the OfficialCruise Line Partner of the NRL in 2017, was excited to be bringing more rugbyleague fans to New Zealand for the Nines.
"Many ofour guests are big fans of the game, so it's fantastic to be able to offer an exciting line up of rugby league cruises this year including the Nines.
"Withtransport, accommodation and meals all included in the cruise fare plustransfers and entry to the game, cruising to the Downer NRL Auckland Nines withP&O is a great value way to experience one of the most exciting competitions in the Rugby League calendar, " MrMyrmell said.
For moreinformation visit pocruises.com.au, call 13 24 94 or see a licensed travelagent.
Formore information and images please contact:
AnnaHood, Campbell+Co, anna@campbellandco.nz, 021 2789 566
LaurenMcCarthy, Campbell+Co, lauren@campbellandco.nz, 021 215 3592
About P&O Cruises
Sailing local waters for almost 85 years, P&O is Australia and NewZealand's only homegrown cruise line and the largest cruise operator in theregion, offering a fleet of five ships cruising year round from eight homeports in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. With a contemporary look andfeel, P&O's ships carry more than 460,000 guests a year on great valueholidays. Itineraries range from short getaways and cruises exploring theAustralian coast to longer holidays to the South Pacific and exotic destinationssuch as Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Asia. In June 2017P&O Cruises will welcome its latest ship, Pacific Explorer, while in 2019it will take delivery of its largest ever ship, a 3000-guest,113,000-tonne vessel which will be the biggest ship ever to be based full timein Australia.
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