History Sails into Sydney Today
Date: February 20, 2009
A slice of history will sail into Sydney this evening when the British cruise ship Arcadia makes her maiden visit to the harbour city as part of her inaugural world voyage.
The 83,000-tonne superliner is the fourth P&O Cruises’ ship to bear the name Arcadia and is sure to stir up fond memories amongst the thousands of Sydneysiders who immigrated to Australia on P&O Cruises’ second Arcadia as ‘ten-pound poms’ in the 1950s and 60s.
To mark the historic occasion, a group of past passengers who sailed on the second Arcadia will enjoy a reunion lunch onboard the ship tomorrow where they will have the chance to re-live their cruise memories.
The second Arcadia was also based in Australia as a cruise ship in the 1970s, cementing her popularity amongst local holidaymakers.
Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia which represents the British P&O Cruises, said the latest Arcadia carried on a proud tradition.
“Arcadia is one of the best known names in world cruising and we are thrilled to be able to welcome the latest Arcadia to our shores for the first time. Her visit is a sign of not only of the resurgent interest in cruising among Australians but also the enduring popularity of Australia as a cruise destination,” Ms Sherry said.
Carrying 1950 passengers and 880 crew, the child-free superliner will be an impressive sight when she berths at Circular Quay about 6.30pm.
The ship’s visit will inject more than $500,000 into the local economy through port fees, supplies and passenger spending.
The largest P&O Cruises UK ship ever to visit Australia, the latest Arcadia stretches 285 metres long and if raised on her stern she would stand 35 metres taller than the observation deck of Sydney Tower, the city’s tallest building.
Her features include a range of innovations from external glass lifts overlooking the ocean to an indoor/outdoor swimming pool with retractable glass roof and a boutique cinema for 30.
She offers 1010 cabins and 11 passenger decks, with facilities including more than six dining options including the elegant Arcadian Rhodes created by UK celebrity chef, Gary Rhodes, 14 bars, a 700-seat three-tier theatre, two swimming pools, five whirlpool spas and a three-level atrium.
Arcadia began her maiden world cruise in England in January and has already called at Majorca and Greece in Europe, Egypt and Oman in the Middle East, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Fremantle, Albany, Adelaide and Melbourne.
She will sail from Sydney at midnight tomorrow and will visit Brisbane on February 23 and the Whitsundays on February 25, completing her Australian calls.
She will then sail to Japan, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Oman, Dubai and Egypt, before transiting through the Suez Canal to Libya, Portugal and Spain and returning to the UK in April.
For more information visit www.worldvoyages.com.au.
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See the Ships
View Earlier EventsThursday 12 February
From 7am – Arcadia will make her way into Fremantle Harbour. She will dock at the Fremantle Passenger Terminal at 8am before departing at 6pm.
Monday 16 February
6.00am – Oriana will make her way into Sydney Harbour. She will dock at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay at 7am before departing at midnight.
From 7am – Arcadia will sail towards Outer Harbour, docking at 8am. She will remain in Adelaide until 6pm.
Wednesday 18 February
From 4.30am – Arcadia arrives into Port Phillip before docking at Station Pier at 8am before departing at 6pm.
From 7am – Oriana sails into Brisbane River, docking at Portside Wharf at 8am where she remains for the day. Oriana will depart Brisbane at 6pm.
Friday 20 February
6.00pm – Arcadia will arrive in Sydney Harbour, docking at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at 7.00pm. Arcadia will remain in Sydney over night, departing on Saturday 21 February at midnight. Please note: there will be no fireworks display as part of the visit.
Monday 23 February
From 7.30am – Arcadia sails into Brisbane River to dock at the Fisherman Island Wharf. Arcadia will remain in Brisbane for the day, departing at 6am.
Friday 27 February
From 7am – Aurora makes her way into the Brisbane River, docking at 8am. She will then depart Brisbane at 6pm.
Sunday 1 March
From 6.30am – Aurora will make her way into Sydney Harbour, anchoring at Point Piper Buoy at 7.00am then berth at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at 9.00pm. She will remain in Sydney overnight, departing on Monday 2 March at 6pm.