P&O Cruises has revealed its 3,000-guest ship Pacific Encounter will be based in Brisbane from November 2021. The ship is currently sailing as the Star Princess and transfer to P&O Australia in 2021.

P&O’s new 2021 summer program of itineraries will see Pacific Encounter offer 11 cruises until January 2022 including dedicated itineraries to the South Pacific Islands and Queensland coastal destinations.

P&O Cruises President Sture Myrmell said Pacific Encounter’s new Brisbane home was the next exciting chapter in Queensland’s hugely successful cruise story which has seen the cruise line base ships from the city since 2009.

“By the time Pacific Encounter joins the fleet in late 2021, P&O Cruises will have carried two million guests on itineraries departing from Brisbane and our commitment to providing Queenslanders with memorable Australian cruise holidays doesn’t stop there,” Myrmell said.

“Pacific Encounter will continue to build on P&O’s contemporary product and set new trends in the field of dining, entertainment and family activities to offer something for everyone including families and couples of all ages.

“P&O has an unrivalled long-standing history with Queensland so it is fitting that we continue to build on that story by bringing our newest ship to Brisbane for her maiden season.”

Among the options are two seven-night Pacific Island Hopper cruises departing on a Saturday and  calling  at destinations including Mystery Island and Lifou.

There are also three seven-night Barrier Reef Discovery cruises departing on Saturday and visiting Airlie Beach, Cairns, Port Douglas and Willis Island.

In addition are three-night and four-night sailings and a nine-night Christmas itinerary.