Pacific Jewel to leave early next year, with Star Princess added in 2021.
P&O Cruises Australia has just confirmed the sale of Pacific Jewel, with the ship’s final P&O voyage departing from Melbourne on 24 February 2019 before being transferred to a new operator.
Sture Myrmell, president of P&O Cruises and Carnival Australia, also announced the addition of the 3,100 passenger Star Princess, which will join the fleet at the end of 2021. P&O has also previously announced that sister ship Golden Princess will be transformed and re-named to sail under the P&O banner from October 2020.
“Pacific Jewel has been a jewel by name and by nature…I feel sentimental farewelling a much-loved ship but excited for the future because the addition of two bigger ships is a game-changer for P&O Cruises and its guests,” Myrmell said.
The departure of Jewel will come a month before Pacific Eden also leaves the P&O fleet, in April 2019. Despite the changes Myrmell said P&O would continue to base ships year-round in Sydney and Brisbane, as well as offering seasonal sailings from other Australian states and New Zealand.
P&O will assist guests affected by the deployment changes, including rebooking on alternative departures and offers of full refunds for guests for whom no alternative is available. Any guest whose cruise is cancelled can choose to obtain a full refund.
Dedicated hotlines have been established for questions relating to the changes. In Australia agents and their clients can call 1300 550 491 and in NZ the number is 0800 543 177.
More information in tomorrow’s issues of Travel Daily and Cruise Weekly.