Tennis legends Mark Philippoussis, Goran Ivanišević and Todd Woodbridge join the lineup for P&O’s 2018 Australian Open Cruises
With the Australian Open 2018 just around the corner, P&O Cruises is reminding tennis fans that the ultimate Grand Slam experience is onboard their Australian Open cruises, announcing a number of tennis greats as part of the program for their 2018 sailings.
More than 3500 guests sailing to Melbourne on Pacific Eden and Pacific Explorer will be treated to a packed program that will take them to the heart of tennis at its competitive best. With tennis fever set to hit the nation soon, fans should be quick to secure their place for 2019, with bookings now available.
Davis Cup winner Mark Philippoussis and Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanišević will join the action in 2018 when the ship docks in Melbourne, hosting a Q&A session with fans onboard Pacific Eden where they will reveal their epic career moments and insider perspectives of the 2018 Open. Meanwhile, multiple Grand Slam Doubles winner Todd Woodbridge will treat fans to a Q&A onboard Pacific Explorer when it's in Melbourne.
The sessions will also give P&O guests the rare opportunity to be photographed with these legends of international tennis.
As official Tour Operators of the Australian Open, P&O Cruises has partnered with Tennis Australia to deliver the round trip tennis themed cruises as part of their Main Events line-up, which take all the hassle out of going to large events by including everything from tickets to transfers.
President of P&O Cruises and Carnival Australia Sture Myrmell said the popular cruises were perfect for fans wanting a unique way to experience the tennis.
"Australia is a great sporting nation and the Australian Open Grand Slam is one of the highlights on the sporting calendar. Fans are choosing to make more than a day of it, combining their love of tennis with a short break for a truly memorable experience. Our tennis themed cruises are so popular, we added an extra sailing for 2018," Mr Myrmell said.
Guests on both Pacific Eden and Pacific Explorer will depart from stunning Sydney Harbour. Day two will be a leisurely day at sea with both ships hosting tennis greats for the trip down, including a Q&A and photo opportunity.
Pacific Eden will welcome former top-ranking tennis player Ken Rosewall. A Grand Slam winner, Ken claimed 18 major titles, made it to the final of Wimbledon four times and was a member of the winning Australian Davis Cup team on four occasions. Pacific Explorer will host Kim Warwick, an Australian Open finalist and Davis Cup player who won four Grand Slam Doubles titles.
Day three of the cruise will be action packed, with day and night sessions at Melbourne Park, and day four will kick off with player meet and greets onboard as well as photo opportunities with the Australian Open trophies, followed by a day session at the tennis.
Day five will be a chance to relax and wind down at sea, before the final day cruising back to Sydney.
Guests won't miss any of the action while at sea with all day and night games screened live on the big screen on the upper decks.
Passengers on Pacific Explorer can also enjoy a bespoke new tennis themed high tea menu onboard, featuring strawberries and cream, scones and savouries, all washed down with Pimms and champagne. The new high tea menu is available for $20 at the Waterfront restaurant.
Passengers travelling on Pacific Eden can practice their backhand and volleys at the outdoor tennis court on the top deck, while taking in the sea breeze and spectacular panoramic ocean views.
Pacific Eden and Pacific Explorer will depart Sydney for Melbourne on January 17 and 19 respectively. The cruises include general admission tickets for two day sessions and one night session at the Australian Open, as well as return transfers to Melbourne Park.
Bookings for 2019 are now available. Fares start from $798.66* quad share for the 5-night round trip cruise departing Sydney on January 19, 2019.
For more information visit pocruises.com.au, call 13 24 94 or see a licensed travel agent.
*subject to availability, conditions apply
Media information, please contact:
Zoe Finlayson
FleishmanHillard
M: 0434 279 709
E: zoe.finlayson@fleishman.com.au
Lyndsey Gordon
P&O Cruises
M: 0466 170 047
E: lyndsey.gordon@pocruises.com.au
