All New 2004 for Pacific Sky

News Release

August 26, 2004

All New 2004 for Pacific Sky

Eight new ports of call and lots of new things to do are features of the 2004 'Cruises from New Zealand' brochure for Pacific Sky P&O Cruises announced today.

The new 2004 brochure details all the exciting developments available including a greater variety of itineraries when you cruise from Auckland.

The new ports are the idyllic coral atolls of Poum, Isle of Pines and Noumea in New Caledonia, Mystery Island, Vila and Champagne Bay in Vanuatu and Lifou in the Loyalty Islands as well as Brisbane, Australia.

P&O Cruises will again base Pacific Sky in Auckland for one month in order to meet growing demand from New Zealand. Pacific Sky will offer four cruises departing Auckland between July 20 and August 22, 2004.

Pacific Sky's 2004 season includes four exotic cruises to destinations such as Fiji (including a return after several years to Suva) from Auckland next winter - one of which will include a special sail past beautiful Norfolk Island in August.

Major changes on Pacific Sky will give passengers significant new features in 2004 including:

1. an alfresco Steakhouse Grill on deck with a full dinner alternative for the first time;

2. new internet café enabling passengers to email pictures of themselves to friends back home;

3. 24-hour cabin service including a new in-cabin menu for breakfast, lunch or dinner;

As well as these, the 46,000 ton Pacific Sky features three pools, a spa, large gym, ship-top jogging track, huge show lounge, cinema, casino, two restaurants serving more than 15 courses of international cuisine a day.

P&O Cruises New Zealand Sales and Marketing Manager Shannon Currie says the 2004 programme for Pacific Sky is the biggest and most diverse New Zealand cruising programme undertaken by the company.

"New ports, new cruises and exciting new innovations aboard Pacific Sky mean New Zealanders will enjoy more choice and flexibility, providing one of the best-value holiday options available," Mr Currie says.

Pacific Savers of up to $1,100 per couple are available for 2004 bookings made before December 31, 2003.

From Auckland, fares including discounts for South Pacific cruises are available from $1,474 per person on a eight-night cruise in a four-bed cabin and from $2,294 in a twin-bed cabin.

South Pacific cruises are GST-free and include all main meals and activities onboard Pacific Sky as well as port charges and taxes. Attractively priced airfares are also available for passengers flying to Sydney, Brisbane to join Pacific Sky.

Bookings and cruise brochures are available from travel agents or by calling the P&O Cruises freephone on 0800 441 766 or by visiting the company's website at http://www.pocruises.co.nz/

The other exciting new features of this cruise liner - P&O Pacific Sky are:

1. · new themed buffet luncheons in the restaurant and expanded lunch hours from 11am-3pm;

2. · table-side cooking of pasta and culinary demonstrations for passengers;

3. · new deck chairs and tables and new restaurant furniture;

4. · more beauty services including new instant tan sessions;

5. · new 24-hour florist providing fresh flowers for special occasions and surprises;

6. · extra shore tours, including adventure trips;

7. · new video arcade games and extra slot machines in the casino;

8. · cheaper duty-free liquor and cigarettes;

9. · phone cards, internet cards and a new simpler onboard billing system;

10. · free birthday and anniversary celebrations, and;

11. · complimentary toiletries in all cabins and a new drycleaning service for all passengers.

12. · free hamburgers, hot dogs and pasta on deck at lunch and a bigger menu in the pizzeria;

13. · expanded wine list and new snacks in bars including oysters, scallops, samosas and shrimps and extended breakfast hours to 10.30am and a bigger breakfast menu.

ends

Issued for P&O Cruises by Pead PR

© Scoop Media