P&O Australia’s ship Pacific Encounter is sailing back to Australia following a spectacular overnight encounter with sistership Pacific Adventure while berthed side-by-side at Port Trieste (Italy).
This was also a back-to-back visit to the shipyard for Pacific Encounter/Pacific Adventure as ‘wet dock’ preparations continued for their return to cruising from Brisbane Queensland/Sydney NSW respectively.
The ships' return to service signaled yet another landmark in the restart of cruising in Australia and PO’s growing part in the revival of Australia’s $5 billion per year cruise industry.
Initially, Pacific Encounter will arrive in Sydney prior to heading for her new home in Brisbane, which has been host to P&O Cruises ships throughout the line’s 90-year history in Australia.
P&O Cruises Australia President, Marguerite Fitzgerald, said they were seeing the evolution of P&O Australia as "the nation’s homegrown cruise line and the results of its ambitious fleet transformation."
As we prepare to welcome home Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure, we can also see that momentum is growing in the resurgence of cruising in Australia.”
Pacific Encounter and Adventure are undergoing final preparations ahead of joining Pacific Explorer to complete P&O Australia’s 3-ship fleet.
The work on the vessels includes major technical upgrades and other enhancements like upgraded hotel facilities/interior furnishings and adding P&O’s red, white and blue bow livery.
Pacific Encounter will welcome her first guests on August 20 on a 7-night voyage from Brisbane.
Pacific Adventure will welcome her first guests on October 22 on a 3-night voyage from Sydney.