FED: New "Love Boat" to cruise South Pacific

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FED: New "Love Boat" to cruise South Pacific

By James Shrimpton

SYDNEY, Aug 9 AAP - P&O Cruises announced today a second ship would join its PacificSky in November on a program of cruises to the Pacific Islands.

The 30,000-tonne liner will bear the same name as P&O"s original "Love Boat" used forthe hit television series - Pacific Princess.

The old Pacific Princess, now in America as part of P&O's Princess Cruises, is beingretired at about the same time as the new ship's first South Pacific voyage, departingSydney on November 18.

P&O said the new vessel, which will increase its market capacity by 30 per cent, reflecteda growing demand in Australia for cruise holidays.

Both 1,550-berth Pacific Sky and Pacific Princess, carrying up to 700 passengers, willmake cruises of between nine and 13 nights to New Caledonia, Vanuatu and other islandports of call.

The 11-deck Pacific Princess's maiden voyage from Australia on November 18 will beone of 10 nights, with fares starting from $1,895.

She has 90 per cent of cabins with ocean views and 66 per cent with private balconies,plus four restaurants - all more than any ship ever based in Sydney, according to P&O.

Facilities include a ship-top swimming pool and jogging track, two outdoor jacuzzies,a gymnasium and spa centre, four restaurants, seven bars and lounges, a casino and library.

Three years old, Pacific Princess was previous named R3 (R3) and operated around FrenchPolynesia for Renaissance Cruises, a company which failed last year.

P&O said the intention was for Pacific Princess, which has a crew of 370, to sail outof Sydney for six months, then spend the next six months as part of the US-based PrincessCruises fleet.

P&O Cruises Managing Director for Australia Gavin Smith said the Australian cruisemarket had grown substantially in recent years, and more than half of the passengers werefirst-time cruisers.

"Clearly the market is broadening with an increasing number of travellers opting foran all-inclusive cruise holiday," he said.

In fact, P&O will have three ships based in Sydney between November and February.

Regal Princess of Princess Cruises will be here between November and February but manyof her passengers will be Americans on fly-cruise holidays.

AAP js/mg

KEYWORD: CRUISE