P&O's legendary Pacific Explorer leaves Australia for last time
It was the end of an era for P&O's Pacific Explorer, as the flagship vessel sailed out of Australia for the very last time.
After nearly a decade in Aussie waters, the ship's last cruise under the P&O banner saw her depart Fremantle in Western Australia last night on an 11-night cruise to Singapore.
The final farewell came after news that the iconic P&O brand is disappearing from our shores after being folded into its parent company Carnival Cruise Line.
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It was the end of an era for P&O's Pacific Explorer, as the flagship vessel sailed out of Australia for the very last time. Nine
Final voyage
The Pacific Explorer holds a special place in the heart of many cruise lovers.
After joining the P&O fleet in 2017 and sailing from homeports including Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Fremantle, it was the first ship that sailed back into Australia after the two-year cruising ban during COVID.
"More than 2200 guests are sailing on Pacific Explorer as the ship departs Fremantle on her final voyage with P&O Cruises Australia," a P&O spokesperson said.
"Guests will be invited to a Farewell Cocktail Party on 12 February, hosted by the ship's Captain, to celebrate Pacific Explorer's contribution to cruising in Australia."
"Today is the next step in the transition as we look forward to a new era of cruising, when Carnival Cruise Line expands to four ships sailing in Australia, on 29 March."
Upon her arrival in Singapore, Pacific Explorer is set to join Resorts World Cruises, with a reported $80 million refit and name change.
P&O is being folded into its parent company Carnival Cruise Line. (Getty) Getty
Carnival Cruise updates
Pacific Explorer's departure comes as Carnival Cruise Line has revealed the changes in store for two P&O Australia cruise ships, as it prepares to expand to four ships this year.
The cruise line will set sail from a brand new homeport from 2027.
P&O's ships Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter are set to be rebranded as Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, and will hold onto P&O's favourite dining and entertaining options, while introducing Carnival's signature "Fun Ship" experience.
"This transition presents a unique opportunity to combine the best of P&O Cruises Australia and Carnival Cruise Line as the brand expands its footprint in Australia," VP Sales and Marketing Kara Glamore said.
The Pacific Adventure is set to be rebranded under the Carnival name. (Getty) Supplied
Carnival Adventure will sail year-round from Sydney, joining sister ship Carnival Splendor.
But for one month in 2027, Adventure will be homeported in Melbourne, giving Victorians the opportunity to embark directly from their home state.
Carnival Adventure will offer four voyages from the Victorian capital, including three trips to Kangaroo Island, and a two-day getaway to Sydney.
Meanwhile, Carnival Encounter will homeport in Brisbane year-round, with Carnival Luminosa joining her during the summer season.
