There's Something Familiar about Her

Most of the work has been completed to convert the former Star Princess into her new identity: Pacific Encounter for P&O Australia. She has left wet dock and has now taken her position at sea as part of the P&O family awaiting the time when cruising will again be permitted from Australia.    

During the wet dock, she got her new P&O livery and the interior has become “unmistakably P&O,” according to the line. Still, though, Princess fans will notice some of the classic Princess decor in these photos taken during the refurbishment. 

Photos courtesy of P&O Australia Cruises. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.

Chantiers Delivers MSC Virtuosa

MSC Cruises' fleet grew by another ship today (to 17) when the line took delivery of MSC Virtuosa at the Chantiers yard at Saint Nazaire (in northwest France). The 181,000-ton ship is a sister to MSC Grandiosa and a progression from MSC Meraviglia and MSC Bellissima that's 52.5 feet longer. 

The complete story appeared in the February 1 issue of Cruise News Daily.

Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.

Carnival Digs Miami

Carnival Cruise Line expanded today - at least a little on land. Cruise Line executives along with executives from Port Miami broke ground today for Carnival's new Terminal F at the port. A line of properly-masked, hard-hatted officials with their ceremonial spades turned over a shovelful of dirt and construction was underway.

The complete story appeared in the January 29 edition of Cruise News Daily.

Images courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission. 

She's Got the Look

Thanks to a new livery and two 20-meter by 8-meter lighted signs on her funnel, the former Star Princess looks like the newest addition to the P&O Australia fleet. Thanks to completing the paperwork on Wednesday, she is. She became Pacific Encounter.

The complete story appeared in the January 29 edition of Cruise News Daily.

Photo courtesy of P&O Cruises. All rights reserved. may not be copied or used without express permission.

Australia Day!

It's Australia Day. Even though there are no cruises, the ships are nearby awaiting their time to return. Here you can see what the crews of P&O's Pacific Explorer and Carnival Spirt did to mark the occasion.

Photos courtesy of P&O Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.