Donald and Stein Kruse, ceo Holland America Group, were special guests at the spectacular five ship rendezvous organized by P&O Cruises Australia to welcome former Holland America Line ships, Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden, to its fleet.
‘It is an iconic sight that people all over the world can recognise, even if they have never been here in person,’ Donald said.
‘This panorama is one of the many reasons why cruise guests the world over can’t wait to cruise into Sydney Harbour and explore this magnificent country.’
He said he loves visiting his Australian colleagues.
‘The energy and the excitement of this market is truly inspiring to all of us,’ he said.
‘Welcoming one new ship to the P&O Cruises fleet would have been spectacular enough, but welcoming two on the same day just confirms why this is the world’s fastest growing cruise market.
‘For a nation of 24 million people, Australia certainly outperforms.
‘From only 200,000 passengers 10 years ago we now see more than a million Australians cruising every year.
‘The incredible growth of cruising continues here today as we welcome Pacific Eden and Pacific Aria to our fleet.’
He congratulated Carnival Australia’s ceo Ann Sherry and her team for ‘such a fantastic achievement.’
