About P&O Australia

P&O Cruises OverviewP&O Cruises Australia has the only cruising fleet permanently based in the Australian cruise market.

The company, which is owned by Carnival Corp., operates three ships cruising Australia and the South Pacific, with itineraries featuring New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

Cruise Line OverviewP&O Cruises Australia's history dates back more than 75 years, and the P&O connection goes back even further. British-based P&O first visited the island nation in 1857, playing an important role in the Royal Mail, wartime assistance and the surge of immigration to Australia.

On the leisure front, P&O Cruises Australia pioneered pleasure cruising in the waters off Australia in 1932.

Cruise Line OverviewThe first cruise was with 23,000-ton liner Strathaird, which sailed from Sydney to Norfolk Island with 1,100 passengers and offered such niceties as ballroom dancing, live theater and elegant dining.

The idea caught on. Today, P&O Cruises Australia carries more than 100,000 passengers per year. 

Cruise Line OverviewP&O mostly sticks with what it knows -- Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific -- and since the popularity of cruising Down Under is growing, so is P&O.

What's been added to the line's itineraries lately are new destinations within Australia, as well as more themed cruises like those for the Melbourne Cup, wellness or food and wine.

Onboard ExperienceP&O Australia offers a lively, mainstream experience with a friendly international crew that's used to dealing with the congenial and fun-loving Australian crowd.

The atmosphere is more Carnival than Princess, with a focus on budget and value for money, rather than luxury.

Onboard ExperienceCulinary choices include primary dining rooms and informal buffets, as well as a casual deck grill and alternative dining for a fee, including the renowned Luke Mangan Salt Grill. A while back, Pacific Dawn introduced to the Australia market the concept of "Your Choice Dining," with no reservations required in the dining room during dinner hours (although you can make reservations if you want to).

The food has been improved over the years, and generally it receives favourable ratings from passengers, although some complain the buffets could pay more attention to variety and detail, especially where salads are concerned. 

Onboard ExperienceOnboard activities both day and night are far ranging, and they include fitness classes, cooking demonstrations, mixology classes, live bands, dancing, game shows, table tennis, casino play, cabaret shows, karaoke, deck parties, spa treatments, trivia quizzes, in-cabin movies, shuffleboard, Bingo, dance classes, themed nights and parties, talent shows, enrichment lectures and port talks.

Onboard ExperienceThe ships no longer have formal nights; they've been replaced by "cocktail" nights, usually one or two on a one-week cruise. (Check your itinerary.)

On these evenings, men can wear a jacket without a tie, although the jacket is optional, and women can wear cocktail dresses or similar attire. 

Onboard ExperienceThe line is popular across the generations, from singles and families to seniors; children are well catered for in good kid clubs staffed by qualified teachers and childcare workers. In fact, the line has won accolades for its family-friendly atmosphere. 

The Australian dollar is the onboard currency. As enforced tipping isn't an Australian custom, gratuities are no longer added automatically to passengers' onboard bills, leaving them to tip only if they wish. 

The P&0 Fleet AustraliaThe P&O Cruises fleet consists of 3 fantastic ships,Pacific Dawn, Pacific Jewel, Pacific Pearl, all offering departures from Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland to a range of destinations.

All the line's ships hail from other brands within Carnival Corp. They received refurbishments and Australian touches before joining the P&O Cruises Australia fleet. 

Pacific Dawn

Pacific Dawn Quick FactsDate Commissioned:1991Country of Registration: London, UKRegular Capacity: 1596Maximum Capacity: 2020Crew Nationality: InternationalOfficer Nationality: InternationalLanguage(s) Spoken: Multiple LanguagesTonnage: 70310Length: 245mSpeed: 19.6 knots(36.1km/h,22.4mph)

Pacific DawnInside and out, Pacific Dawn is simply breathtaking. The first thing you'll notice is her distinctive profile, designed by world-renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano. Her spacious domed entertainment centre features great live entertainment, comedy nights and jazz events or enjoy a world-class performance in the two story show lounge.

Over 184 affordable balcony cabins offer stunning ocean views. Complete with its own jogging track, 9 bars and lounges, superb restaurants, whirlpool spas, library, duty-free shopping, medical centre, gym and health spa, Pacific Dawn is truly a magnificent way to cruise.

Pacific Jewel

Pacific Jewel Quick FactsDate Commissioned:1990Date Refurbished: 2009Country of Registration: United KingdomRegular Capacity: 1668Maximum Capacity: 1950Crew Nationality: InternationalOfficer Nationality: InternationalLanguage(s) Spoken: English Tonnage: 70310Length: 245mSpeed: 22.5 knots(41.7km/h,25.9mph)

Pacific JewelIn December 2009, Pacific Jewel appeared on the horizon, offering two incredible firsts: an amazing high-wire circus and trapeze arena on the top deck and P&O Cruises largest spa afloat in the southern hemisphere. The new Aqua Heath, Spa & Fitness Centre offers ocean-view treatment rooms for the ultimate in pampering.

Experience P&O Cruises first ever celebrity chef at sea with the NEW Salt grill by Luke Mangan restaurant, over 200 affordable balcony cabins, a world of entertainment, activities and dining choices.

Pacific JewelPacific Jewel sails year round from Sydney to the South Pacific and New Zealand. On board you'll find a fantastic combination of spacious cabins, indulgent spa and fitness centre, dazzling aerial entertainment.

Plus, there's all of the great value inclusions that come with every P&O Cruises' holiday including all main meals and a wide range of activities to keep you entertained, day and night.

Pacific Pearl

Pacific Pearl Quick FactsDate Commissioned:1987Date Refurbished: 2010Country of Registration: London, UKRegular Capacity: 1800Maximum Capacity: 1800Crew Nationality: InternationalOfficer Nationality: InternationalLanguage(s) Spoken: Multiple LanguagesTonnage: 63500Length: 247mSpeed: 21.5 knots(39.8km/h,24.7mph)

Pacific PearlEleven passenger decks take entertainment and enjoyment to new levels, as you explore the myriad of activities and amenities onboard Pacific Pearl. "Your Choice Cruising" means a dazzling array of swimming pools and spas, a fitness centre and gym, dining venues and a sensational line up of entertainment --from world-class productions to the adults-only Sit Down Comedy Club*.

The newest star of the fleet will have something for everyone including a luxurious choice of mini suites and cabins.

Australian ItinerariesP&O Cruises Australia offers a choice of departures from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, Australia, and Auckland, New Zealand. Destinations focus on the South Pacific, Australia and Southeast Asia.

Popular port calls include stops in Vanuatu, Fiji and New Caledonia, as well as Cairns and Port Douglas, Australia, with some of the longer South Pacific sailings visiting Samoa and Tonga. New for 2014 are cruises from Melbourne, maiden visits to the South Australian ports of Kangaroo Island, Port Lincoln and Robe, and several itineraries to Papua New Guinea.

ConclusionP&O's cruisers range from children to seniors; 30 percent are families with kids, 45% are couples and 20% are friends traveling together.

Looking at age groups, 31 percent are 29 or younger, 49% are 30 to 59 years old, and the remaining 20% are 60 or older.

For more information about Cruise Holidays visit

www.cruisemegastore.com.au