Huge Party to Launch Pacific Pearl
P&O Cruises will hold a huge Pacific Island Family Christmas Festival on Auckland’s Queens Wharf on Tuesday 21DEC to mark the launch of Pacific Pearl, the first superliner to be based in New Zealand.
The celebration will feature a spectacular fireworks display over the Waitemata Harbour as well as performances by headline acts Dane Rumble and Stan Walker. The free entertainment will also include a large ferris wheel plus circus and street performers. The 4½ hour family festival and naming ceremony will begin at 5pm, with a family cruise prize up for grabs among those who attend. The next day Pacific Pearl departs on her 8-night maiden voyage to New Caledonia.
Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, which operates P&O Cruises says “We’re very excited to be launching Pacific Pearl in New Zealand. The ship will make a major contribution to the local economy and we’re very keen to celebrate her debut by staging a large event for the people of Auckland. “It will be a chance for everyone to see the ship and sample some of the entertainment and food that we offer, while having a great family night out.”
The celebrations will see triple Olympic medalist Barbara Kendall, godmother of Pacific Pearl, officially name the ship with the traditional breaking of a bottle of New Zealand bubbles over the ship’s bow. The public will also get the chance to sample the exceptional hospitality available onboard the ship with food stalls at the festival serving cuisine
from Pacific Pearl’s restaurants and cafes, including Luke Mangan’s Salt Grill. The menu samples will feature a strong New Zealand flavour, reflecting P&O Cruises’ commitment to sourcing from local food and wine suppliers. These New Zealand components will also be a highlight of two food and wine themed three-night cruises on Pacific Pearl in January and May 2011.
Pacific Pearl is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar refit in Singapore before heading to New Zealand.
Follow the ship’s blog at http://pacificpearl.pocruises.com.au
