The spectacular maiden Australian visit of P&O Cruises’ giant Star Princess has led to unprecedented demand for big-ship cruising, with a 350% increase in bookings for Star Princess’ big sister Sapphire Princess.

On the back of the 109,000 ton Star Princess’ sell-out season last summer, more than 2000 Australian passengers have already booked on the 116,000 ton Sapphire Princess’ Australasian itineraries for next summer.

 

P&O Cruises Managing Director Gavin Smith said publicity surrounding Star Princess’ visit had also had a flow-on effect for P&O Cruises’ local premium ship Pacific Princess.

“Pacific Princess bookings are up by more than 85% compared with the same time last year. We’re seeing strong bookings from new passengers, as well as a high level of repeat business, with new cruises to Queensland, Tasmania and New Zealand attracting past passengers eager to experience different itineraries.

“With its stylish décor, superior service, choice of restaurants and luxury spa facility, Pacific Princess really is the cruise alternative to a luxury resort,” he said.

“The introduction of so many new itineraries and destinations for Pacific Princess means Australians now have even more choice when it comes to experiencing world-class cruising close to home.”

Mr Smith said that the success of Sapphire Princess’ bookings in Australia was representative of the cruise market boom around the world.

“According to industry figures, a record 11 million people around the globe will take a cruise this year and more than 250,000 Australians are tipped to take a cruise in 2005. The international cruise industry is now a A$40 billion industry and growing up to three times faster than the general travel industry.”

For those keen to sail on the biggest cruise ship to visit Australia, Sapphire Princess voyages still available include:

• 12-night Auckland to Sydney cruise departing 30 January 2005 from A$2587 per person; and

• Bangkok to Beijing for 16 nights departing 26 March 2005 from A$3323 per person.

On Pacific Princess, a 10-night voyage to Tropical North Queensland departing 18 November 2004, or a 10-night cruise to New Caledonia and Vanuatu departing 9 January 2005, each start at A$2464 per person.