Pacific Jewel to debut in Tasmania
By: Louise Goldsbury, Cruise Weekly

The maiden season of superliner Pacific Jewel is the real gem of P&O Cruises' summer 2009/10 program.

Great deals are now available for December sailings to Tasmania onboard P&O's latest superliner, Pacific Jewel.

Allowing passengers the chance to cool off over summer, the ship's maiden five-night voyage departs Sydney on 13 December.

After a day at sea, a full Tuesday is spent in Melbourne for some last-minute Christmas shopping, before continuing on to Burnie - the gateway to Tasmania's north. A day is spent in Burnie, with time for optional shore excursions, and then the cruise returns to Sydney.

Fares are available from $1099 per person twin-share.

Inaugural cruise passengers will also be the first to experience celebrity chef Luke Mangan's new signature restaurant onboard, Salt Grill.

For those who like to plan ahead, Pacific Jewel will return to Tasmania in December 2010 with a longer cruise, adding Port Arthur, Wineglass Bay and an overnight stay in Hobart.

Throughout the rest of the season, Pacific Jewel will visit a range of destinations around Australia and the South Pacific. v

Highlights of the 2053-passenger vessel include one of the largest spas at sea, an open-air deck with aerial stage for circus and music performances, a three-storey atrium foyer and almost 200 private balcony cabins.

Cruise Weekly provides you with all the latest cruising information, including news, deals, competitions and much more. Click here to check it out.