In response to the growing demand from New Zealanders for Pacific Island cruising, P&O Cruises Australia says it has extended its 2013 cruise season, adding three new cruises from Auckland on the Pacific Pearl to its schedule.

The new additions include the popular ten-night Island Fiesta cruise and 9-night Island Gems cruise to New Caledonia and Vanuatu and lastly a four-night Short Break cruise from Auckland to Sydney.

Both island cruises visit Vila, Lifou, and Noumea, with the Island Fiesta cruise also stopping at Mystery Island and Isle of Pines, and Island Gems will also call at Mare. The 2013 season will now run until June 24, making it the biggest and longest cruise season ever for New Zealanders, with a total of nine sailings on the Pacific Pearl.

Jenny Lourey, Senior Vice President of Carnival Australia, which represents P&O Cruises, said the Pacific Island and Short Break cruises for next season had already been immensely popular, with more New Zealanders than ever choosing cruising as their preferred holiday option. “We’re pleased to be offering New Zealanders more chances to escape the winter weather on the Pacific Pearl in 2013.”

The Pacific Pearl is the most recent addition to P&O’s fleet of superliners, launched in Auckland in December 2010. The ship was built in 1989 as Star Princess of Princess Cruises. Both companies are part of Carnival Corp & plc group. Guests onboard the 63,786 tonne, 1800 passenger ship will enjoy action-packed shore tours at each Pacific Island stop, fine dining on board at Australian Chef Luke Mangan’s Salt Grill restaurant*, entertaining shows and an array of relaxing spas, swimming pools and fitness centres.