Big Win For Queensland Tourism As Brisbane Welcomes Its First Superliner

Big Win for Queensland Tourism as Brisbane Welcomes its First Superliner

Brisbane today welcomed its first ever superliner, P&O Cruises' Pacific Dawn, because demand for cruising holidays out of Queensland continues to grow at record levels.

In a move that recognises its status as a major cruising hub, Brisbane's first superliner is almost 50 per cent larger than the ship she replaces, Pacific Sun, and gives Queenslanders their first ever opportunity to take a cruise holiday from their doorstep every month of the year.

The arrival of the superliner follows the release of an Access Economics report last week which revealed cruising contributed $100 million to the Queensland economy in 2007-08, an increase of 23 per cent on the previous year's $81 million.

Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, which operates P&O Cruises, said Pacific Dawn's deployment to Brisbane would be a huge boost for Queensland tourism.

"Having a larger ship in Brisbane full-time will increase cruise-related revenue as there'll be more spending by passengers and crew, more supplies and more port fees," Ms Sherry said.

"Basing Pacific Dawn in Brisbane year-round not only means that Queenslanders can cruise from Brisbane during winter for the first time, it also means that there'll be extra money pouring into the State's economy."

"Pacific Dawn will also attract more intra and interstate tourists to Brisbane, many of whom will take pre or post cruise breaks on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. It all adds up to more money and more jobs for Queensland."

Ms Sherry said a new study by Access Economics showed that the cruise industry was contributing $1.2 billion to the Australian economy each year a jump of 54% in the 12 months to 2007-08. The report said the industry was expected to grow about 7% each year for the next 10 years.

"Clearly the Queensland cruise industry is set for continued growth, with the deployment of Pacific Dawn and the increasing number of other cruise ships visiting the State's ports injecting valuable dollars into the economy," she said.

Designed by internationally renowned architect Renzo Piano, the sleek white superliner berthed at Hamilton this morning, to be welcomed by Queensland Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor and Olympian Catherine Freeman, who is the ship's Godmother.

Pacific Dawn features 184 balcony cabins, five evening dining areas, nine bars and lounges, three-storey atrium and a spectacular Dome entertainment area.

The 2050 passenger ship will sail on her first cruise from Brisbane - a nine-night South Pacific cruise - at 8pm this evening. Her year-round program includes cruises to the South Pacific, Queensland coast and New Zealand, with holidays priced from$1299 per person twin share for seven-night cruise along the Queensland coast.

Her move to Brisbane is part of a massive expansion for P&O Cruises which will see its fleet double with the addition of two superliners Pacific Jewel, which debuted in Sydney last week, and Pacific Pearl in late 2010. Pacific Sun will offer cruises from Fremantle, Auckland, Sydney and Newcastle during 2010.

*Prices quoted are per person, twin share, subject to availability, conditions apply

Media contacts:

Anthony Fisk
Carnival Australia
02 8424 8861
0414 848 125

SOURCE: P&O Cruises