Princess Cruises and P&O Australia (both subsidiaries of Carnival Corporation) will charter 3 ships to house delegates to 2018 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in November, hosted in Port Moresby, capital of Papua New Guinea.
From their moorings within APEC security zones, 3 of the ships of the corporation: Pacific Jewel and the recently renovated Pacific Explorer (both from P&O Australia) and the recently refurbished Sea Princess (Princess Cruises) will provide accommodations for attendees of APEC. PNG is hosting the gathering of around 10,000 senior officials, delegates, and journalists from the 21 member countries of APEC for the first time since joining the organization over a quarter-century ago.
Papua New Guinea lies 100 miles north of Australia and south of the Equator. The country of 8 million people is one of the world's most culturally diverse, with hundreds of indigenous ethnic groups and over 800 known languages.
The island nation is a popular destination for voyages in Oceania. In addition to its beaches and opportunities to dive and snorkel among protected coral reefs, the inhabitants also invite tourists to appreciate intricate handicrafts, witness fascinating rituals, experience WWII history and explore dramatic waterfalls in the volcanic mountains and lush rainforests.
The APEC Summit, scheduled for mid-November, is culminating in Economic Leaders’ Meeting November 18, that will attract world leaders, delegates and observers.