| P&O ventures into Papua New Guinea

For the first time, Pacific Dawn will
sail from Brisbane to PNG on two
special itineraries next season.
P&O Cruises has added a new destination
for Australians, with new cruises set to visit
the remote islands and towns of Milne Bay in
Papua New Guinea.
Departing from Brisbane, Pacific Dawn will
call at the local capital Alotau as well as the
white-sand beaches of Doini Island and the
Trobriand Islands, also known as the Islands
of Love, along the northern straits of the bay.
The maiden cruise to Milne Bay in Oct 2013
is timed to coincide with the Canoe and Kundu
Festival where local communities compete in
canoe races, costume display and cultural
performances.
The PNG sailings are priced from $1,049pp
(quad share) for a nine-night cruise.
Ann Sherry, ceo of Carnival Australia, said
that P&O was excited to be offering its first
dedicated cruises to this “exotic” country.
“Papua New Guinea is one of the most
remote and untouched corners of the world –
it’s so close to Australia geographically, but a
million miles away in terms of culture and
scenery,” Sherry said.
“We’re very excited to be able to take
Australian holidaymakers from their doorstep
and show them this region from the comfort
of a superliner for the first time.
“Cruising really is the perfect way to explore
Papua New Guinea’s idyllic beaches and
scenery and discover its ancient customs and
history.”
On sale from 23 Apr, P&O’s new 2013-14
program also features 73 departures across
Expanded Experiences
CRYSTAL Cruises has added 14 themes on 28
cruises next year.
Amongst the Experiences of Discovery are a
new photography themed voyage (23 Oct),
which will involve professional photographers
teaching guests photographic skills and tricks
of the trade, as well as leading photo
expeditions.
Also in the line-up is an 18 May Grand Prix
theme which includes onboard Esprit du
Grand Prix Formula One talks and
presentations.
For more information visit Wiltrans at
www.wiltrans.com.au.
22 different itineraries, with Pacific Dawn
sailing from Brisbane and Pacific Jewel and
Pacific Pearl from Sydney.
Other highlights of next season include
more weekend getaways and short breaks
ranging from three to six nights.
Several itineraries are based around lifestyle
themes as well as Melbourne Cup and
Australia Day cruises.
Short break cruises start from $529 per
person quad share for a three-night cruise
from Sydney.
Pacific Islands cruises start from $699 per
person quad share for a seven-night cruise
from Brisbane and $1,099pp/qs for nine-night
itineraries from Sydney.
Travel agents can learn more about the new
program through free one-hour webinars at
8.30am on 17 and 18 Apr.
To register, visit: www.myccs.com.au.