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P&O Cruises Australia extends pause, cancels Cairns season

P&O Cruises Australia’s rolling pause has been extended again, from June 18 until July 30, and the company cancelled voyages to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands for the remainder of the year.

Helen Hutcheon, Australasia correspondent

March 30, 2021

1 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

A season in Cairns, where Pacific Explorer was to have been based for two months from October, will not go ahead following the ‘uncertainty around borders’ and the cancellation of PNG and Solomon Island itineraries.

‘We are continuing our discussions with governments and health authorities to develop a framework for the staged resumption of cruising,’ Sture Myrmell, president of P&O Cruises Australia, said.

Better days ahead

‘As those discussions continue, today’s changes are necessary as we take a practical approach to the current environment and continue to look forward to better days ahead,’ Myrmell said. 

He said the company has continued with preparations for Pacific Encounter (the former Star Princess) and Pacific Adventure (the former Golden Princess) to join the fleet and ‘offer a very special cruising experience when we are again able to sail.’

He thanked passengers for their patience and understanding and said passengers and travel agents will be contacted directly with alternative arrangements. 

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P&O Cruises Australia

About the Author

Helen Hutcheon

Australasia correspondent

Helen Hutcheon did her cadetship on a shipping magazine and worked in P&O’s Sydney office for seven years as a public relations journalist.

For 19 years she was deputy editor of Travel Week, which was Australia’s leading trade newspaper that covered major local and international industry events.

In 2008 the late legendary Rama Rebbapragada presented her with an award from Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd ‘in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the cruising industry.’

In 2010 she won the Neil Frazer Award for ‘outstanding contribution to the cruise industry,’ elevating her to CLIA Australasia’s hall of fame.

She has been the Australasia correspondent for Seatrade Cruise Review since 1997 and for Seatrade Insider (now Seatrade Cruise News) since its launch in 2000.

 

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