The spectacular white-sand beach of Vanuatu’s Champagne Bay has been voted the favourite port of call in the South Pacific by P&O Cruises’ passengers.
Fringed with palm trees, Champagne Bay’s picture-perfect beach is located on the northeast coastline of Espirito Santo, the largest of Vanuatu’s islands.
Offering an idyllic tropical escape and spectacular snorkelling, Champagne Bay was voted the top port in P&O Cruises’ 2008 onboard passenger survey narrowly edging out Fiji’s pristine Yasawa Island in second spot.
Meanwhile Vanuatu’s remote Mystery Island, which was voted the number one port for P&O Cruises’ passengers in 2007, ranked third and New Caledonia’s Isle of Pines came in fourth most popular.
Vanuatuan ports dominated the top five favourite ports of call for passengers in 2008, with the unspoilt island of Wala rounding out the top five ports of call.
Jenny Lourey, Senior Vice President of Carnival Australia, which operates P&O Cruises, said travellers could choose from more than 25 ports throughout the South Pacific visited by P&O Cruises’ ships during 2010.
“But Australians keen to visit our most popular ports to form their own opinions should book their 2010 South Pacific holidays now so they don’t miss out,” Ms Lourey said.
P&O Cruises latest superliner, Pacific Jewel, will visit top-ranking Champagne Bay four times during 2010 while Brisbane’s own superliner, Pacific Dawn, will visit the port twice.
Available cruises include an 11-night voyage onboard Pacific Jewel visiting Luganville, Wala, Vila and Champagne Bay in Vanuatu as well as Loyalty Island’s Lifou priced from AUD$1989 per person twin share.
Meanwhile, fares for an 11-night cruise onboard Pacific Dawn from Brisbane, visiting Champagne Bay, Wala, Vila and Mystery Island in Vanuatu as well as New Caledonia’s Noumea and Isle of Pines start from AUD$1909 per person twin share.
When she debuts in Sydney in December 2009, Pacific Jewel will feature an open air deck with aerial stage for circus and music performances, one of the largest spas at sea as well as a range of dining options, eight bars and lounges, two swimming pools, whirlpool spas, library and showlounge.
Based in Brisbane from December, Pacific Dawn features 11 decks with two swimming pools, a choice of five evening dining areas, nine bars and lounges, “The Dome” entertainment area, a two-storey show lounge and fitness centre.
For more information about P&O Cruises call 13 24 69 or visit www.pocruises.com.au
