P&O Cruises Australia
P&O Australia is a unique cruise line that's part of a huge history. P&O has been sailing since 1837 - nearly 200 years ago! - and the line pioneered cruise travel from Australia in 1932. They were also the first to call at Queensland's Fraser Island in 2016, proving they are staying on top of their game and continuously seeking to improve their product. P&O Australia travels to destinations in its namesake region, as well as New Zealand, Asia, and several Pacific Islands. With a largely all-inclusive fare, you can rest easy on a P&O vacation and let the pros do all the work for you.
More About P&O Cruises Australia >
P&O Cruises Australia Destinations
P&O Australia offers cruises leaving from several ports in Australia, as well as from Auckland and Singapore. The line's destinations include Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, Asia, and Papua New Guinea. Aussies can play tourist in their own country, explore a new world in Southeast Asia, or enjoy the magical nature of New Zealand. There are tons of itineraries both long and short to please every traveler - there are even cruises timed to depart Sydney over school holidays, so you can travel with the whole family if you want.
Sample P&O Australia itineraries include:
- Barrier Reef Discovery: Brisbane; Hamilton Island; Cairns; Willis Island; Brisbane
- Bounty Adventure: Sydney; Nuku'alofa; Vava'u; Savusavu; Suva; Port Denarau; Dravuni Island; Mare; Sydney
- Kiwi Adventure: Melbourne; Fiordland National Park; Stewart Island; Dunedin; Chalmers; Akaroa; Wellington; Hobart; Melbourne
P&O Australia Cruise Ships
P&O Australia has six ships dedicated to exploring Australia and the South Pacific: the Pacific Dawn, Jewel, Pearl, Aria, Eden, and Explorer. These ships are definitely on the larger side, each carrying between 1,500 and 2,000 passengers. Onboard the sleek ships you'll find suites, pool decks, bars, restaurants, outdoor decks, casinos and so much more. Once onboard, you'll find all main meals, entertainment, and use of most facilities - including the pools, gym, and whirlpool spas - is included. Accommodations are set up to be like luxurious hotel rooms, with comfortable beds, fluffy white towels, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and daily service.
Shore Excursions on P&O Cruises Australia
P&O has scouted out endless locations throughout Australia. New Zealand, and Asia to ensure everyone in your party finds an activity they enjoy. There are shore tours geared toward adventure, culture and history, wilderness and wildlife, food, shopping, city tours, sports and recreation, and the beach. There are also limited mobility marked tours, with escorts to keep guests safe and moving. Shore excursions can be booked online from 90 days before cruise departure, and must be paid at the time of booking.
Some of the shore excursions offered on a P&O Australia Cruise are:
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary - Brisbane, Australia
- Sydney Ghost Tour - Sydney, Australia
- Theme Parks of the Gold Coast - Brisbane, Australia
- Melbourne Cup - Behind the Scenes - Melbourne, Australia
- McLaren Vale Vineyards and Wine - Adelaide, Australia
Dining & Drinks on P&O Australia Cruises
P&O Australia is committed to serving innovative, fresh food onboard, and has up to 15 different dining experiences for guests to choose from. Each ship has a range of Australian and international cuisines, from Angelo's Italian to the Pan-Asian-inspired Dragon Lady.
The Plantation Restaurant serves a range of casual options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while the Waterfront serves slightly more upscale meals. If you'd like to dine al fresco, stop by The Grill for a juicy sandwich or burger. Looking for something fancy? The Chef's Table offers an exclusive dinner-party atmosphere with the Executive Chef.
Throughout the day, you can stop by The Cafe for a bit of coffee or a sweet treat. Room service is available as well for those times you don't want to leave your cabin. And if you're a wine fan, you have to stop by Cellar Door for a tasting, master class, or vintage seminar.
Specialty restaurants do have a cover charge, as does alcohol. You can purchase a drink package to save on drinks, whether you'd like a Soft Drinks Package, Premium Beverage Package, or The Lot! Beverage Package.
Activities & Entertainment on P&O Cruises Australia
On a P&O Australia Cruise, there's always something to do. From family-friendly activities like laser tag and karaoke to a quiet, adults-only retreat called the Oasis, there's a place for everyone onboard, if not several. During the day, get some sun while playing deck games like table tennis, quoits and golf putting. Take a class to gain new skills in dancing, cooking, or mixology. Or, if you're sailing on the Edge, see how brave you are at the Adventure Park.
Each ship has multiple pools, a fitness center, shopping area, hair salon, library, and spa for guests to enjoy. Play board games or pick up a book, lounge by the pool, or take part in trivia or a game show. In the casino, you can learn the ropes with beginners' lessons, or jump right in on a roulette or blackjack table. Poker games are held too.
Some of P&O Australia's cruises are timed to coincide with events like the Australian Open or the Melbourne Cup. Attend the event ashore or watch on the big screen out on deck; P&O broadcasts movies, sporting events, and even Wii games out there. Some ships have rock climbing walls and car simulators to play with, while all of them host production shows, comedy shows, and live music for guests to enjoy in the evenings. There are several nightclubs and bars onboard too, where you can stop in for a cocktail and mingle with fellow travelers.
P&O Cruises Australia Children's Programs
P&O Australia warmly welcomes children onboard and has many activities in place to keep them engaged and entertained while cruising. There are four structured groups for kids to play in based on age. Kids ages 2 to 6 can hang out in Turtle Cove; Shark Shack serves kids 7 to 10; HQ is for pre-teens ages 11 to 14; and HQ+ is for teens age 15 to 17. In these groups, kids can play with games and toys, do arts and crafts, watch movies, belt out karaoke, and learn how to make movies with Stop Motion Pro, all while interacting with a certified youth staff. These groups are included in your cruise fare.
Throughout the cruise, kids can also take part in activities like the Teen Jam or TC & Skipper's Island Adventure Show. A bungee tramp lets kids hone their circus skills, while the LEGO play zone is perfect for screen-free fun. In the Waterfront Restaurant, kids can order from a special menu that changes each day. Every night there is a kids only dinner in the Plantation Restaurant.
Group babysitting services are available each night from 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., for a fee. Kids must be between the ages of 2 and 12 to be babysat. For Australian and New Zealand cruises, babies must be six months old to sail; for all other itineraries they must be at least 12 months old.
P&O Cruises Australia Past Guests
P&O Australia does not have its own separate rewards program, though you may be able to earn rewards through P&O Cruises' Peninsular Club or Princess Cruise Line's Captain Circle program. With both, you can earn things like onboard discounts and discounts on member cruises, complimentary champagne, access to onboard cocktail parties and dinners, and priority embarkation. Let your Cruise Specialist know at the time of booking if you are a member of either club so you can earn credits for future travel.
Accessibility on P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises strives to offer a comfortable and enjoyable cruising experience to all guests, regardless of mobility. Every P&O ship has wheelchair-accessible rooms, though they are limited and subject to availability. Guests who do need a wheelchair must bring their own, and collapsible wheelchairs are recommended as door width can vary. Special kits are available onboard to assist hearing impaired guests, and can be requested at the time of booking. Let your Cruise Specialist know about any special needs at the time of booking so they can make sure all necessary arrangements are made.
