Epic history of Aussie cruising, as P&O Australia ships sail for the last time
Aussie cruise staple P&O Australia has sailed for the final time.
The two ships, Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure, will now become part of owner Carnival Australia's fleet.
And while they were loved by Aussie cruisers they can also trace their history back to the origins of the $5b cruise industry, over 90 years ago.
Here's how the favourite holiday became an Aussie staple, with more than million sailing every year.
Allison Matley was even born on P&O ship Strathaird in 1953, on the way to Australia.
"My birth certificate is a marine birth certificate so it's quite long. And it tells me where I was born," Matley told 9Travel.
Ristuccia said early cruise ships were rather "rustic" compared with what passengers expect today, with many once fitted out to carry troops during WW2.
Pictured is a typical cabin on Fairstar., complete with a pull-down bed.
Like all cruise lines, sailings halted during the pandemic.
But Pacific Explorer made a statement, with a banner saying 'We're Home' as she was led into Sydney Harbour by tugs on April 18, 2022, after months of being unable to sail.
Now, it's the end of an era for P&O Cruises Australia - not to be confused with separate company, P & O Cruises, which is based in the UK.
P&O Australia's two ships have now sailed for the last time ending the near 100-year legacy.
Pacific Encounter was to sail her last voyage before Cyclone Alfred hit from Brisbane.
But it was cancelled, and she docked this week for the final time.
Guests on what ended being the final sailing were invited to a 'Thank You' cocktail party with the Captain, to celebrate P&O's history.
Pacific Adventure meanwhile, left Sydney Harbour with fireworks and water canons, for the last time earlier this week.
She'll return tomorrow (Friday) before embarking on her new journey.
