It’s game-set-match for 1800 cruise passengers today, as P&O Cruises’ Pacific Pearl superliner departs Sydney to sail to the Australian Open in Melbourne.

The special cruise will deliver a cargo of tennis fans to the Victorian capital to enjoy two days of the tournament, in a visit expected to inject around $1 million into the State economy.

The passengers will represent one of the biggest single groups to attend the Open on any one day.

P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Tammy Marshall said the tennis cruise was now an annual event for P&O, following last year’s inaugural Australian Open voyage which visited the tournament for one day.

“Last year’s event was a huge hit with our guests but we think this year’s will ace it, serving up two full days and one evening of tennis,” Ms Marshall said.