P&O’s Explorer will bear the Southern Cross on her bow

P&O’s new ship, the Pacific Explorer will have the iconic Southern Cross, across the bow of the ship.

The Southern Cross is a national symbol in both Australia and New Zealand and the constellation has guided generations of seafarers.

“We couldn’t think of a more powerful symbol to launch Pacific Explorer’s new era of local cruising than the Southern Cross,” P&O Cruises President Sture Myrmell said. “It is a symbol that is close to our hearts as Australia’s home brand cruise line and it strikes a chord with our many Australian and New Zealand guests.

“The Southern Cross is also an ageless pointer to contemporary cruising and the region in which our ships sail. We are proud to unveil Pacific Explorer’s ‘Sailing Stars’ design,” Mr Myrmell said.

Pacific Explorer will make her debut in Sydney in June this year.

The new livery is a contemporary interpretation of the classic Southern Cross symbol. It represents P&O Cruises’ affinity with the ocean, the cruise line’s sense of adventure and its commitment to delivering memorable cruise holidays.

Adaption of the Southern Cross symbol is also in line with P&O Cruises’ proud heritage as the pioneer of cruising in the Australasian region. P&O began cruising from Australia in December 1932 when Strathaird sailed from Sydney on a week-long South Pacific cruise.

“In its modern incarnation, P&O Cruises is Australia’s leading cruise line with the biggest fleet of ships based year round in Australia and under the Southern Cross we proudly sail,” Mr Myrmell said.

Onboard the new Pacific Explorer will be an array of dining experiences including Angelo’s Italian, Dragon Lady and Waterford restaurant.