Explore P&O Cruises Australia and Its Planned Fleet of Cruise Ships

P&O Cruises Australia has a diverse range of cruise ships to choose from, each with its own unique character and features.

The planned fleet of cruise ships includes the Pacific Explorer, Pacific Aria, and Pacific Dawn, all of which offer a range of onboard amenities and activities.

Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, P&O Cruises Australia has a ship to suit your needs.

The Pacific Explorer, for example, features a vibrant atrium, a spa and wellness centre, and a variety of dining options, including a specialty restaurant.

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P&O Cruises Australia has a rich history that spans over 180 years, dating back to 1837 when the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company was founded in the UK.

The company's history is marked by its pioneering spirit, with the first passenger ship, the SS Great Western, making its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York in 1838.

P&O Cruises Australia has a long-standing commitment to innovation, with the introduction of the first cruise ship, the SS Persia, in 1856, which set the standard for modern cruise ships.

P&O Cruises Australia has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century.

The company's passenger division was part of the P&O shipping company, which operated the world's first passenger ships.

P&O was the first company to operate passenger routes to Australia, a significant milestone in the country's history.

The first cruise to Australia was operated by Strathaird on 23 December 1932, carrying 1,100 passengers on a seven-day itinerary.

This inaugural cruise sold out in just one day, indicating the strong demand for travel to Australia.

Over the next 90 years, P&O's passenger voyages evolved into cruise holidays.

P&O eventually adopted the brand name P&O Cruises, with the Australian service becoming P&O Cruises Australia.

In the late 1980s, P&O Cruises Australia was still growing, thanks to the Oriana, which was transferred to the Australian market in the 1980s.

P&O Group purchased Sitmar Cruises in 1988, marking a significant shift in the company's operations.

The first ship to be permanently based in Australia under the P&O Holidays Australia banner was Fairstar, which sailed for nine years until 1997.

Fairstar was eventually replaced by Fair Princess, which was transferred from sister brand Princess Cruises and sailed for P&O until 2001.

P&O Cruises Australia continued to operate with a fleet of transferred ships, setting the stage for the company's future growth and development.

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As I delve into the history of P&O Cruises Australia, I'm reminded of the incredible destinations they offer. P&O Australia cruises leave from several ports in Australia, as well as from Auckland and Singapore.

Their itineraries take you to various parts of the world, including Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, Asia, and Papua New Guinea. You can explore your own country, visit new lands in Southeast Asia, or marvel at the natural beauty of New Zealand.

Some of the destinations you can visit on a P&O Australia cruise include the Great Barrier Reef, which is a must-see for any nature lover. You can also visit Hamilton Island, Cairns, and Willis Island, all of which offer breathtaking scenery and exciting activities.

Here are some sample P&O Australia itineraries:

These itineraries cater to different types of travelers, whether you're looking for a short or long cruise, or one that's perfect for families with school-aged children.

On a P&O Australia Cruise, you'll find a wide range of activities to suit every interest and age group. From family-friendly activities like laser tag and karaoke to a quiet, adults-only retreat called the Oasis, there's a place for everyone onboard.

Each ship has multiple pools, a fitness center, shopping area, hair salon, library, and spa for guests to enjoy. You can play board games or pick up a book, lounge by the pool, or take part in trivia or a game show.

Some ships even have rock climbing walls and car simulators to play with, while all of them host production shows, comedy shows, and live music for guests to enjoy in the evenings.

Let's take a look at the planned fleet for P&O Cruises Australia. The Carnival Panorama was originally planned to be built for P&O Cruises Australia as their first purpose-built ship, but was transferred during construction to Carnival Cruise Line.

The Carnival Panorama was built in 2019 by Fincantieri and has a gross tonnage of 133,868. It's worth noting that the ship was never entered into service for P&O Cruises Australia.

In 2008, the Carnival Splendor was also intended for P&O Cruises Australia, but this transfer was cancelled. Instead, the Golden Princess was transferred as Pacific Adventure.

Here's a brief look at the planned fleet for P&O Cruises Australia:

P&O Australia has six ships that explore Australia and the South Pacific, including the Pacific Dawn, Jewel, Pearl, Aria, Eden, and Explorer. Each of these ships can carry between 1,500 and 2,000 passengers.

The Pacific Dawn, Jewel, Pearl, Aria, Eden, and Explorer offer a wide range of onboard amenities, including suites, pool decks, bars, restaurants, outdoor decks, and casinos.

On these ships, you'll find luxurious accommodations set up like hotel rooms, complete with comfortable beds, fluffy white towels, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and daily service. This is a great perk, especially if you're looking for a hassle-free vacation.

Main meals, entertainment, and use of most facilities, including pools, gyms, and whirlpool spas, are all included in your cruise experience. This means you can enjoy all the onboard activities without worrying about extra costs.

P&O Australia's fleet has not received any newbuild vessels since its inception, but instead has used ships transferred from other companies.

Shore excursions are a great way to experience the local culture and attractions of the places you visit on your cruise. You can book them online from 90 days before your cruise departure.

P&O Cruises Australia offers a wide range of shore excursions, including adventure, culture, and history, wilderness and wildlife, food, shopping, city tours, sports and recreation, and beach activities. This means you can choose something that suits your interests and preferences.

Some popular shore excursions offered by P&O Cruises Australia include the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane, the Sydney Ghost Tour, and the Theme Parks of the Gold Coast. These excursions are designed to be enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their abilities.

Limited mobility marked tours are also available, with escorts to ensure your safety and comfort. These tours are a great option if you have mobility issues or concerns.

Here are some examples of shore excursions you can book on a P&O Australia Cruise:

On a P&O Australia Cruise, you'll find a variety of activities to keep you entertained, from family-friendly activities like laser tag and karaoke to a quiet, adults-only retreat called the Oasis.

Each ship has multiple pools, a fitness center, shopping area, hair salon, library, and spa for guests to enjoy.

You can play deck games like table tennis, quoits, and golf putting, or take a class to gain new skills in dancing, cooking, or mixology. Some ships even have an Adventure Park where you can test your bravery.

P&O Australia's cruises often coincide with events like the Australian Open or the Melbourne Cup, and you can attend the event ashore or watch it on the big screen out on deck.

Production shows, comedy shows, and live music are just a few of the entertainment options available in the evenings, and you can even try your hand at rock climbing or play with a car simulator on some ships.

The casino offers beginners' lessons and a variety of games, including roulette, blackjack, and poker, and you can also take part in trivia or a game show.

Accessibility is a top priority on cruises. Every P&O ship has wheelchair-accessible rooms, though they are limited and subject to availability.

Guests who need a wheelchair must bring their own, and collapsible wheelchairs are recommended as door width can vary. This is because door widths can differ on different ships.

Special kits are available onboard to assist hearing impaired guests, and can be requested at the time of booking. These kits can make a big difference in ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable cruise experience.

You'll find a range of pools on each ship, perfect for a refreshing dip or a relaxing soak.

The fitness center is available for guests to stay active during their cruise.

Each ship also has a shopping area, hair salon, library, and spa for guests to enjoy.

With a variety of onboard activities, you can play board games, pick up a book, or take part in trivia or a game show.

P&O Australia Cruises offers an impressive array of dining options, with up to 15 different experiences to choose from.

Each ship features a range of Australian and international cuisines, including Italian at Angelo's and Pan-Asian-inspired dishes at the Dragon Lady.

The Plantation Restaurant serves casual meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while the Waterfront offers slightly more upscale dining.

For a more exclusive experience, the Chef's Table provides an intimate dinner-party atmosphere with the Executive Chef.

You can also enjoy casual eats at The Grill, or grab a coffee and sweet treat at The Cafe.

Room service is available for those times you'd rather not leave your cabin.

Specialty restaurants come with a cover charge, as do drinks, but you can save on drinks with a package like the Soft Drinks Package or Premium Beverage Package.

P&O Australia's Children's Programs are a game-changer for families. They offer four structured groups for kids to play in based on age, from Turtle Cove for kids ages 2 to 6 to HQ+ for teens ages 15 to 17.

These groups are included in your cruise fare and provide a safe and fun environment for kids to engage with games, toys, arts and crafts, movies, karaoke, and more. They're led by certified youth staff who are dedicated to keeping your little ones entertained.

In addition to the group activities, kids can take part in special events like the Teen Jam and TC & Skipper's Island Adventure Show. They can even try their hand at circus skills on the bungee tramp or get creative in the LEGO play zone.

Kids can also enjoy a special menu in the Waterfront Restaurant, which changes daily. And, every night, there's a kids-only dinner in the Plantation Restaurant.

Group babysitting services are available each night from 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. for a fee, but only for kids between the ages of 2 and 12.

P&O Cruises has been a popular choice for Australian travelers since 1932, when it was first established by the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company.

P&O Cruises operates a fleet of 5 ships in Australia, including the Pacific Aria, Pacific Dawn, Pacific Eden, Pacific Explorer, and Pacific Jewel.

Their ships offer a range of onboard amenities, including restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.