Pacific Sun to make Auckland her new home

MEDIA RELEASE (photo attached)

May 20, 2008

Pacific Sun to make Auckland her new home

P&O Cruises' Pacific Sun arrives in Auckland on Sunday 1 June marking the start of her cruising season from her new winter home.

Pacific Sun will be based in Auckland for the first time injecting substantial economic value into the region. It will also offer greater accessibility to a range of new cruises targeted at the New Zealand market.

Announcing the move, Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, which operates P&O Cruises in New Zealand, said the deployment of a larger ship in New Zealand was testament to the growing popularity of cruising.

"Our cruises continue to offer Kiwis a magical escape from the New Zealand winter, and with accommodation, main meals and transport included, cruises offer amazing value for money for the whole family."

To celebrate the arrival, P&O Cruises has launched a family special where children can cruise for free.

Children aged 12-years and under can travel for free on cruises including Pacific Sun's eight-night Summer Daydream to the Pacific Islands, departing Auckland on July 23, with adult fares starting from $1297 per person twin-share.

The offer also extends to Pacific Sun's longer 10-night Native Beats cruise departing Auckland on July 31, and visiting the exciting Fijian ports of Dravuni, Savusavu and Suva as well as exquisite Vava'u and Nuku'alofa in Tonga, with adult fares starting from $1852 per person twin-share.

The 47,000 tonne vessel is the largest cruise ship based in New Zealand. Pacific Sun features a huge 35-metre waterslide, three kids' clubs, five restaurants and cafes, multiple bars and lounges and two pools.

The 223 metre ship also has 743 passenger cabins able to accommodate two, three or four passengers. There are 453 cabins with ocean views and 10 suites with private balconies.

Brief history:

P&O Cruises was founded in 1837. In the early days P&O undertook voyages described as 'excursions,' the forerunners of today's 'cruising' when passengers from England regularly travelled with the Royal Mails to ports on the Iberian Peninsular and the Mediterranean, returning home on other P&O mail voyages.

For more information and bookings contact a licensed travel agent or P&O Cruises on 0800 951 200 or visit www.pocruises.co.nz

ENDS

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