P&O Cruises and Sunshine Coast Council today announced the cruise line will make its inaugural call to Mooloolaba in August.
The scheduled visit will be a highlight of a four-day Pacific Pearl cruise from Sydney and will enable the ship’s 1800 passengers to enjoy the many attractions of the Sunshine Coast, one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations.
P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Tammy Marshall said Pacific Pearl’s visit to Mooloolaba was a destination ‘test drive’ for the cruise line and could well become the forerunner of more short-break cruises to the Sunshine Coast.
“There is a growing trend towards short break cruises and we are constantly looking for great new destinations to add to the appeal of our cruise itineraries. We know from experience in cruising from Sydney to Moreton Island that our passengers love their short breaks to include a feature destination,” Ms Marshall said.
Pacific Pearl is scheduled to depart Sydney on August 14 for the four-day food and wine themed cruise with the Mooloolaba call set for August 16. Fares start from $499* per person quad share for four nights.
Ms Marshall praised the Sunshine Coast Council for its role in welcoming Pacific Pearl.
“Pacific Pearl’s planned visit to Mooloolaba could only have been made possible by the active support and encouragement of Sunshine Coast Council and Mayor Mark Jamieson, especially in relation to the logistics involved in the passenger tendering operation.”
Passengers will be transferred from ship to shore by tender vessels and will step ashore at the ‘Underwater World Sea Life Aquarium’ jetty at Mooloolaba.
Ms Marshall thanked the Merlin Entertainment Group for making the facility available.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said P&O Cruises’ decision to introduce the Sunshine Coast to its Pacific Pearl passengers was great news. “The Sunshine Coast will welcome these passengers with open arms,” he said.
“That we have a major cruise line considering the Sunshine Coast as a potential regular stop is excellent news; that the cruise line is P&O – one of the most famous names in cruise ship history – makes this even better. I would like to thank P&O and Merlin Entertainment Group for working with us to bring about this wonderful development.”
P&O Cruises is no stranger to Queensland with Pacific Dawn based in Brisbane year round and Pacific Jewel also sailing from Brisbane this winter to the Pacific Islands and North Queensland.
For more information visit www.pocruises.com.au or call 13 24 94.