Carnival Cruise Line and P&O get into the spirit of the Melbourne Cup

It’s the race that will stop the nation and guests onboard the Carnival Spirit as well as the Pacific Dawn, Pacific Explorer and Pacific Eden will be celebrating in style.

Onboard the ships including Madeline Stuart, the world’s first professional supermodel with Down Syndrome as well as journalist and media personality, Tracey Spicer along with 8,000 passengers..

Madeline, the international diversity game changer, who has had astonishing success and captured attention both in Australia and internationally, will open P&O Cruises’ biggest ‘Fashions at Sea’ catwalk show onboard Pacific Explorer featuring 20 local and international designers and brands.

Well-known author, journalist and broadcaster Tracey Spicer cruised in to Melbourne this morning onboard Carnival Spirit with more than 2,000 fellow guests. No stranger to the red carpet, Tracey will host the ‘Fashions-on-the-Spirit’ line up acting as guest judge for “Best Dressed” and “Most Creative” outfits.

Madeline Stuart and Tracey Spicer comprise part of the single largest group of interstate racegoers attending the Melbourne Cup who have sailed in to the city from Sydney and Brisbane on P&O Cruises’ Pacific Explorer, Pacific Eden and Pacific Dawn and Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Spirit.

Accompanying Madeline and Tracey on four ships represented by Carnival Australia are:

• Wendy Green, owner of 1999 Melbourne Cup winning horse, Rogan Josh
• Darren ‘The Gauch’ Gauci, one of Australia’s most successful jockeys;
• Greg Miles OAM, “the voice” of Victorian Racing” for 36 years;
• Two-time Melbourne Cup winning jockey, John Letts;
• Carnival Australia’s Executive Chairman, Ann Sherry.

President of Carnival Australia Sture Myrmell said Carnival Australia’s Melbourne Cup cruises get bigger and better every year.

“Our guests are passionate about the Melbourne Cup and every year we’ve seen a growing interest in the number of race-enthusiasts wanting to extend the celebrations by cruising to the race that stops the nation,” Mr Myrmell said.

“This year we’re pleased to host an unprecedented 8000 guests across four ships with race calling legends, Melbourne Cup winning jockeys and well-known fashion and styling experts. With such a stellar line up, we expect the atmosphere to be electric and have everyone in the winning spirit.

Following the coveted day at Flemington, race-goers onboard Pacific Explorer will be treated to a live set from X Factor Australia duo Jess & Matt before sailing home, while the fun will continue for those onboard Carnival Spirit who will stay in town for the popular Oaks day.

In addition to being a great experience for the 8,000 guests on the four Carnival Australia-brand ships, the Cup cruises also represent a significant opportunity for Melbourne in contributing an estimated $7 million to the local economy.