By
Rebecca Gibson |
Princess Cruises’ Star Princess is to move to P&O Cruises Australia’s fleet at the end of 2021 as part of parent company Carnival Australia’s plan to gradually refresh its fleet.
The 3,100-guest vessel, which was upgraded this January, will replace the considerably smaller Pacific Jewel, which will leave P&O Cruises in March 2019 after serving the brand for almost a decade.
Star Princess will be the second of Princess Cruises’ Grand Class ships to transfer to the P&O Cruises fleet. The 2,600-guest Golden Princess will move to Australia in October 2020 and replace the smaller Pacific Eden, which will depart P&O Cruises in April 2019 and be transferred to a new operator.
Both Princess vessels will be renovated, rebranded and renamed before joining the fleet to ensure guests get a consistent experience across all the P&O Cruises ships.
“Pacific Jewel has been a jewel by name and by nature,” said Sture Myrmell, president of P&O Cruises and Carnival Australia. “I feel sentimental ‘farewelling’ a much-loved ship, but excited for the future because the addition of two bigger ships is a game-changer for P&O Cruises and its guests. P&O Cruises is all about offering a great value cruise holiday that celebrates modern Australia across food, entertainment, activities and service delivered in a contemporary setting. We are ensuring P&O Cruises has the right ships for a contemporary brand operating in a competitive market.”
Pacific Jewel’s final voyage will depart from Melbourne, Australia on 24 February 2019 and she will then be transferred to a new operator. Guests booked on selected impacted cruises have the option of rebooking an equivalent or near equivalent cruise on another P&O ship, or receiving a full refund if no alternative cruises are suitable.
“We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause some guests and will work hard to find alternatives for those whose holiday plans are affected,” said Myrmell. “We also thank guests for their patience because it is likely to take some weeks to put everything in place but we hope this good news will be well received by our loyal guests.”