Pacific Pearl Launches in New Zealand

Carnival Australia and New Zealand, which operates P&O Cruises, says that launching Pacific Pearl in Auckland represents the importance of the region to their fleet. Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia and New Zealand, said, ‘… we thought it only fitting that the fourth ship for our expanding fleet, Pacific Pearl, should be launched in Auckland.

The line has a significant presence in the area and as New Zealand is both becoming a more popular cruise ship destination and as native New Zealanders increasing enjoy taking cruise holidays around their region, it’s a developing tourist area with a growing economy. Pacific Pearl is currently being refitted in the UK but will join the fleet which comprises Pacific Dawn and Pacific Sun. In January 2010 a new ship, Pacific Jewel, will launch from Sydney to bring the fleet numbers to four.

The New Zealand cruise season starts in October and already Star Princes has arrived in port for her first cruise of the season. Carnival Australia will have 52,000 passengers visiting New Zealand over the season, on eleven different ships which will visit over 150 times, a 50% increase on last year’s visits. The increase in cruise visits is partly a result of the famous scenery and partly a result of the area’s burgeoning reputation for providing high quality foods and wines which make excursions to farms and vineyards a popular part of the cruise experience. But Sherry also pointed out that New Zealand needs to continue its tourist development if it is to maintain this level of interest from cruise lines. New Zealand is planning to develop Queens Wharf in Auckland to provide a better experience for cruise passengers.