A crewman’s story: what really happened aboard the Coral Princess

Coral Princess

It was the story that turned the tide for cruising in Australia:ย  The Coral Princess went from zero to hero in a day after members of her crew and a few passengers caught COVID. Some media outlets chose to headline the story, labelling her “riddled” with the virus and claiming it as a major outbreak. … Read more

New Zealand ready to welcome first cruise ship – will it be the Pacific Explorer?

Cruising Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

New Zealand is ready for the long-awaited return of cruise ships – and P&O’s Pacific Explorer could be about to star in her second grand homecoming. The Port of Auckland is anxiously awaiting confirmation from the Aussie cruise line that they will sail the first cruise ships into the harbour on August 12 – and … Read more

Fuel shortages spark fares rise fears, but P&O pledges no surcharges

Rose Jacobs on Pacific Explorer

The boss of P&O Australia has pledged the line won’t impose fuel surcharges as the industry faces a serious dilemma: oil prices are soaring thanks to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Onboard the Pacific Explorer for her first commercial cruise in two years,ย  Marguerite Fitzgerald, President of P&O Australia told Cruise Passenger: โ€œThere will not be … Read more

LIVE: We’re on board P&O’s Pacific Explorer with Rosie Jacobs

LIVE: We're on board P&O's Pacific Explorer with Rosie Jacobs

Australia’s Cruise Industry is back up and sailing – P&O Australia’s flagship Pacific Explorer departed from Sydney tonight on its first guest cruise following the restart of cruising in Australia, and not even the windy weather could dampen spirits. Rosie Jacobs is on board to record the historic cruise to Brisbane – Pacific Explorer will … Read more

VIDEO: Check out what’s new onboard the Pacific Explorer before her maiden journey

VIDEO: Check out what's new onboard the Pacific Explorer before her maiden journey

The Pacific Explorer makes her triumphant return on May 31 sailing on a four-night voyage to Brisbane. She is the first international ship to return to Australian waters after more than a two-year hiatus. The return marks a new era of our cruise industry, with more ships heading Down Under and to New Zealand in … Read more

“We’re back baby” – The countdown is on till the Pacific Explorer starts sailing

"We're back baby" - The countdown is on till the Pacific Explorer starts sailing

The countdown is on for the first cruise to depart from Sydney Harbour. Itโ€™s been over two years since weโ€™ve seen a cruise ship in our waters and this morning, spirits were high and the mood convivial as stockpiles of Australian fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood and even cornflakes were loading onto P&Oโ€™s Pacific Explorer. More … Read more

Cruise cuisine returns with P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Explorer on 31 May

Cruise cuisine returns with P&O Cruises Australia's Pacific Explorer on 31 May

P&O Cruises Australia is preparing for its return to cruising with its flagship vessel to embark on a four-night round-trip from Sydney to Brisbane. Guests and crew alike are excited about the delicious food that will be on offer on the 31 May journey, with a whole host of new dishes to try. The restaurant … Read more

VIDEO: Find out what’s in store from the boss of Carnival Australia in our Pacific Explorer welcome video

Pacific Explorer leads triumphant cruise ship return to Sydney...and Australia

Cruise ships returned to Sydney this week in a stunning display, with a flotilla of small ships, water canon and cheers from a crowded foreshore. And, of course, Cruise Passenger was there. Enjoy the scenes in our brilliant video – and hear from Marguerite Fitzgerald, new president of Carnival Australia, on how the fleets will … Read more