With the 2016/17 wave season about to start, cruise enthusiasts are about to see bigger and bolder ships sail in our waters. Of the lines that will be heading our way, P&O has made some amazing announcements ahead of the wave season.

P&O President Sture Myrmell told Cruise Passenger this year, the line would be sending its ships to new destinations and update features in the food outlets. Mr Myrmell said there is a big focus on new destinations this season like maiden calls to the Solomon Islands for Pacific Eden.

“This summer P&O will have a record number of cruises on offer and they are already attracting very strong bookings. Over recent years we’ve opened up a raft of new Australian ports – from Fraser Island in Queensland’s mid-north through to Mornington south of Melbourne and the response has been fantastic,” he said.

“We spend a considerable amount of time and effort developing our destinations to ensure they work well, but the new Australian ports we’ve introduced over the past two years are particularly notable as they have given us greater flexibility to offer a wider range of short cruises from a range of homeports. Now, whether you’re looking for a short break to Esperance from Fremantle, a journey to Kangaroo Island from Melbourne or a cruise to Hamilton Island from Brisbane, there’s a P&O cruise sailing from your doorstep.”

Mr Myrmell also said P&O would be updating some of the food offerings onboard its five ships including the menu at The Pantry.

“In the coming months we will be updating the menus in Waterfront and adding some exciting food theme nights in The Pantry,” he said.

Included in this year’s line up of big events for the cruise line is the arrival of the new Pacific Explorer which has a new lawn bowls green, new food outlets like Nic and Toni’s, a Mediterranean grill in The Pantry as well as a lobster and burger bar by the pool.

Pacific Explorer will be an exciting addition and the biggest ship in the P&O fleet, with more dining options  and more features such as her new waterpark, slides and barefoot bowling green. The interior is amazing and will build on the design developed on Pacific Eden and Pacific Aria.

“We will be revealing more key features during the coming months which I know will increase interest among holidaymakers. We can’t wait until she debuts next June! And then of course we’ll be busy planning our new build – the first ship to be designed and developed specifically for the Australian market.”