P&O Australia’s ship Pacific Encounter arrived in Brisbane (Queensland Australia) on Saturday, August 20, where she will be homeported year-round at the International Cruise Terminal.
Draped in a huge banner reading "QLD’s OWN", the liner gave a whistle salute to the new homeport.
Marguerite Fitzgerald (President of Carnival Australia and P&O Australia), said that Queensland, with more destinations than any other Australian state, would be vital in rebuilding cruise tourism in Australia and the region.
Fitzgerald added Pacific Encounter would play a major role in reopening Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific.
"Brisbane has always been a great turnaround port for cruises to New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea and will be again before too long as P&O’s horizons grow.
"Having Pacific Encounter based year-round in Brisbane is also a welcome boost for our suppliers for whom our cruise operations are an economic opportunity and an essential contribution to their businesses."
She said Pacific Encounter would make a total of 24 voyages from Brisbane until the end of 2022 and another 54 cruises next year.