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Christmas Cruise

4.1/5 Based on 20 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
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 Cruise Length
9 Days
 Cruise Starts
Melbourne
 Cruise Finishes
Melbourne
9 Day Christmas Cruise Itinerary (P&O Cruises)
Countries Explored: Australia
Ship
Passengers
1998
Crew
856
Launched
2017
Refurbished
2023
Cruise Code
MELMEL9

Overview

Begin and end your 9 day (8 night) cruise in Melbourne onboard the Pacific Explorer and enjoy exclusive savings and cruise inclusions with P&O Cruises and Global Journeys.

Cruise Itinerary

Departs: 4:00 PM

Melbourne’s vibrant character shines through its eclectic mix of architecture, culture, and green spaces. Stroll through Federation Square, where contemporary art and historic buildings collide, or explore the street art in hidden laneways like Hosier Lane. For a taste of local flavors, the Queen Victoria Market offers fresh produce and handmade goods. Don’t miss the Royal Botanic Gardens, a peaceful escape near the city’s core.

Arrives: 7:00 AM Departs: 4:00 PM

Kangaroo Island is home to dramatic coastal cliffs, lush eucalyptus forests, rolling green hills and gorgeous beaches. It is a wildlife sanctuary where you get the unique opportunity to see an amazing range of animals up-close in their local habitat. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the pier.

Top Things to Do in Kangaroo Island:

  • join an ocean cruise along the wild Kangaroo Island coastline
  • spot sea lions at Seal Bay
  • enjoy a wine tasting at Cape Willoughby
  • explore Flinders Chase National Park

Arrives: 9:00 AM Departs: 5:00 PM

Port Arthur, once a notorious penal colony, now offers a fascinating glimpse into Australia’s convict past. Nestled on the Tasman Peninsula, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features well-preserved ruins, including the eerie Separate Prison and the grand Commandant’s House. Visitors can also take a harbor cruise to the Isle of the Dead, where prisoners and staff were buried, providing further insight into this hauntingly beautiful historical site.

Arrives: 7:00 AM Departs: 6:00 PM

Tasmania's capital is a charming little city that blends natural beauty with a rich maritime history. Start at the bustling Salamanca Place, home to galleries, cafés, and the famous Salamanca Market on Saturdays. A short drive takes you to Mount Wellington, offering panoramic views of the city and beyond. The waterfront is perfect for sampling fresh seafood, especially at Constitution Dock, where fishing boats unload their daily catch. Ships dock at Macquarie Wharf.

Arrives: 7:00 AM

Melbourne’s vibrant character shines through its eclectic mix of architecture, culture, and green spaces. Stroll through Federation Square, where contemporary art and historic buildings collide, or explore the street art in hidden laneways like Hosier Lane. For a taste of local flavors, the Queen Victoria Market offers fresh produce and handmade goods. Don’t miss the Royal Botanic Gardens, a peaceful escape near the city’s core.

Note: Ship ports may not be located in the starting & ending cities listed. Port and transfer details will be provided in your travel documentation. The provided itinerary is for informational purposes only. Activities and sightseeing attractions listed may not be available or achievable within the time in port.

Life Onboard Pacific Explorer

P&O's Pacific Explorer
P&O's Pacific Explorer

From waterslides to exciting new restaurants, bars and edgy stage shows, there’s more to enjoy on P&O's Pacific Explorer. Read more

Something for Everyone!
Something for Everyone!

There's something for every member of the family, with many exciting experiences included in your fare, you can try it all again, and again. Read more

Onboard Activities
Onboard Activities

Try out one of the many adventure activities, launch yourself down a waterslide or perhaps Barefoot Bowls is your cup of tea? Read more

Nightlife
Nightlife

Live music, bars and exciting and exclusive shows been especially designed for P&O Cruises. Read more

Dining
Dining

Three stylish, a la carte restaurants and nine casual eateries are included in your cruise fare. Read more

Themed Cruises
Themed Cruises

From food & wine festivals to comedy & country music, themed cruises are the perfect getaway. Read more

Pacific Explorer Reviews (20) View All Most Recent 'Pacific Explorer' Reviews

4.1
AVG. RATING 4.1 / 5
20 Reviews
5 Star
50%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
15%
2 Star
1 Star
Enjoyable Fun 90s P&O cruise 0 , SA, Australia, Dec 2024
It was our very first cruise 🛳 P&O were absolutely amazing. The staff, food entertainment was more than what we expected. Now we are thinking about where to go on our next cruise and will definitely be looking at P&O and booking it through the amazing, and extremely helpful staff at Global Journeys.
80's Themed PO Explorer Cruise 0 , New Zealand, Sep 2024
Neither of us are likely to book a themed short weekend cruise again. This is due to these being essentially party cruises and while have nothing against these we were after something more relaxing and chill. The food at the The Pantry was, we to be honest, awful - the hot stuff almost cold and everything kind of tasted the same. The Dragon Lady was ...read more average, with the mains tasting way too similar but the starters and dessert was lovely. Loved the food at Waterfront both Breakfast and dinner - The Chefs table was great although the desserts let the finale down a little.

We did the wine tasting and High Tea - the High Tea's sandwiches were dry - Sandwich 101 is put a damp towel over them to stop them drying out before serving. We had massages which were lovely! Heidi had a facial but wasn't impressed by being called up to the spa without warning for a Dr's consultation I knew nothing about to try to sell me very expensive facial treatments without any kind of warning - wasted my time and the Dr's. The facial the next day was awesome! Suggestions - we would have preferred being able to find at least ONE quiet sunny place to just chill out outside of our cabin - even on a party cruise.
Enjoyable weekend 2 , Auckland, New Zealand, Sep 2024
Had a wonderful time on P&O Explorer, 80's theme really was a jump back in time. Thank you Global Journeys for making this possible and stress free, loved every minute of our cruise and would happily book again through Global Journeys.
Paihia in the Bay of Islands   0 , New Zealand, Aug 2024
The cruise was smooth sailing and the captain made a wise decision to not go to the intended destination ’ Picton’ in the South Island due to unfavourable weather conditions down south. We went to Paihia in the Bay of Islands instead. It was a bit of a ‘non event’ and we chose not to go ashore as we can go there anytime. I felt sorry for a couple who ...read more had driven down from their home in Paihia to Auckland to board the ship and then be taken back to Paihia. Needless to say, they too opted not to go ashore. I guess the P&O cruise experience (our first P&O trip) lived up to its reputation. Having been with different cruise lines on other cruises, it was interesting to compare the difference in the service, socioeconomic factors, food & facilities. Overall, it was okay but uninspiring and we won’t be embarking on another P&O Cruise. However, the online support and the booking service was excellent. It was wonderful being able to talk to and correspond with a real person rather than an automated computer BOT.
Amazing first taste to cruising 3 , New Zealand, Aug 2024
We absolutely loved every moment of this and already looking for our next cruise. Definetely a great experience and a first of many to come!! We were blown away by how nice all of the staff were onboard.
Picton Cruise 0 , Taranaki, New Zealand, Aug 2024
Although the weather had different ideas, our destination soon became the Bay of Islands. Even so the overall cruise was memorable and affordable. Thanks Sam and the Global Journeys team.

Brochure

P&O Worldwide (2023-25) Brochure

P&O Worldwide (2023-25)

P&O Cruises has been taking Aussies on amazing holidays for over 90 years. Since our first departure on Strathaird back in 1932, millions of Aussies have cruised with us, so we know how Aussies LOVE to cruise. We’re Australia’s home-grown cruise line and our holidays are designed with you in mind. Welcome to cruising Australian style. Choose from a...more range of cruises, from 2 to 32 nights, departing conveniently from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne Adelaide, Fremantle, Cairns and Auckland.

Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by P&O Cruises. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from P&O Cruises. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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