Full steam ahead for Pacific Star’s next cruise

Media Release
Sunday, 22 July 2007

Full steam ahead for Pacific Star’s next cruise

Pacific Star passengers will be flown to Brisbane, Australia, for the start of her next cruise - a 10 night journey around the South Pacific that leaves next Saturday, 28 July 2007.

The ship, which was scheduled to depart from Auckland, is being repaired in dry dock in Brisbane after incurring damage during extreme weather conditions that swept Auckland and the surrounding areas at the beginning of last week.

P&O Cruises has decided to fly the ship’s 1,200 passengers to Brisbane to allow Pacific Star to remain in dry dock for two extra days.

“Engineers and shipyard workers are carrying out detailed inspections and any necessary repairs to ensure the comfort and safety of our passengers,” P&O Cruises’ Chief Executive Officer Ann Sherry said.

“It takes two days to sail from Brisbane to Auckland and we decided this extra time would be better spent making sure we have thoroughly assessed, cleaned and repaired the ship rather than cut short her period in dry dock.

“We are spending the extra time in dry dock so our passengers can have absolute confidence in Pacific Star whose repairs will be certified by maritime authorities before she is allowed to begin operation again.”

P&O Cruises will charter aircraft to fly passengers from Auckland to Brisbane to begin the “Tropical Breeze” cruise which will visit Mystery Island, Vila, Ouvea, Isle of Pines and Noumea before finishing in Auckland.

“We know passengers have been looking forward to their South Pacific holiday and we are keen to give them every opportunity to continue with their cruise by flying them to Brisbane,” Ms Sherry said.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this change in travel plans may cause and will make every effort to give our passengers the relaxing holiday they expect.”

Any passengers who do not wish to fly to Brisbane will be given a full refund provided they advise P&O Cruises of their decision by close of business on Thursday, 26 July 2007.

Pacific Star arrived in the Brisbane dry dock on Friday after three days sailing from Port Vila. Repairs include:

- Replacing the upper section of the ship’s bow which had been dented. The damaged piece of bow and steel framework will be cut out and replaced.

- Installing a new external staircase at the forward part of the ship.

- Welding a new steel plate to reinforce two small sections of the ship’s hull.

- Starting work to replace about 20 broken windows on the main decks. The new windows are being manufactured but the holes will be covered for the next cruise.

Pacific Star is registered in the United Kingdom and its Maritime Coastguard Agency will confirm all requirements have been met before she sails.

ENDS

© Scoop Media