On December 23, 1932 the company operated its first cruise from Sydney with the 22,544gt Strathaird sailing to Norfolk Island.
Orient Line’s 20,000gt Oronsay sailed the following day to New Caledonia.
On Saturday around 90 guests, including past and present crew, attended a 90th anniversary Thank You event in Brisbane on board Pacific Encounter.
Streamers of yesterday
There was a colourful streamer throwing ceremony and a didgeridoo version of ‘Happy Birthday.’
Capt. Roger Bilton cut a 90cm tall cake, followed by the pouring of a 90-glass champagne tower.
Carnival Australia and P&O Cruises Australia President Marguerite Fitzgerald said it was fitting to hold the official launch of the national 90th anniversary Thank You tour in Brisbane.
Epicentre of cruising
‘Holding almost 40% of our market, Queensland is the epicentre of cruising,’ Fitzgerald said.
‘Our guests love cruising in Queensland and we love cruising here,’ she said.
‘Over the past decade, more than 1.5m guests have experienced the wonders of Queensland and by 2025 that number will reach 2m people, both interstate and internationally.’
She said the tour will continue to Fremantle, Sydney and Melbourne at dates to be advised.
‘We can’t wait to continue our festivities on board across Australia as we thank our guests for making this milestone one to remember,’ she said.
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