Merry Maritime - Xmas Escape

Merry Maritime Xmas Escape

Price based on departure: 19th December 2024.

Selected departure dates in December 2024 and 2025.

Start a new tradition

Forget snowmen, mistletoe and log fires. Christmas in the southern hemisphere is all about long sunny days, and relaxing by the pool or on a beach.

Our Christmas cruises let you enjoy quality time with friends and family without the usual hassles and stresses of Christmas – no slaving over a hot stove or cleaning up afterwards! You can also give your vocal chords a workout with festive carolling, see the look on the kid’s faces when Santa visits with presents and enjoy delicious Christmas fare with all the trimmings for lunch and dinner on Christmas Day.

Itinerary Highights 

Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia is renowned for its beautiful parks, passionate football fans, 'upside down' Yarra River and avant-garde attitude. Once voted "Most Livable City in the World," it is elegant, cultured and modern. Bordered by the picturesque Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne is set on the Yarra River at the top of Port Phillip bay.

Kangaroo Island abounding in natural beauty and teeming with native flora and fauna, Kangaroo Island is a nature lover’s dream cruise destination. Apart from the abundance of kangaroos, Australia's Kangaroo Island is also host to crystal-clear waters, inviting everyone for some swimming, snorkelling, scuba-diving, and even surfing. Don't forget about the majestic rock formations found aplenty on the island, especially around Flinders Chase.

Port Arthur is situated near the southern tip of the wild and magnificent Tasman Peninsula. The Tasmania experience wouldn't be complete without a tour to Port Arthur, which is considered as one of Australia's most infamous prisons. Learn about the World Heritage-listed "inescapable prison" that housed several hardened criminals in times past.

Hobart takes you to huge attractions, where you can go climb mountains and view fantastic artworks all in one day, and just have the time to squeeze in some world-class dining in the city's dynamic food scene. Shop in Salamanca's weekend markets and take a gander at the artwork of the Museum of Old and New Art or the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. 

Your Ship Pacific Explorer 

Something for Everyone!

See why we love Pacific Explorer. Whiz down waterslides by day, enjoy great restaurants, bars and edgy stage shows at night. There’s something for every member of the family.

When it comes to dining, you are spoilt for choice with 12 dining experiences all included in your cruise fare. Or treat yourself to something special at Luke's our amazing celebrity chef restaurant with Luke Mangan. Enjoy a mouth-watering signature burger at lunch or a delicious 3 course la carte dinner with the sunset. Or try our award winning pizza in 400 Gradi, in partnership with award-winning Melbourne chef, Johnny Di Francesco.

P&O’s stylish yet relaxed modern Australian interior designs make Pacific Explorer the perfect place to holiday.

Pacific Explorer departs from Melbourne, Adelaide, Fremantle, Singapore, Cairns and Auckland. 

What's included

Main Meals

Fitness Center

Pools & Water slides

Access to P&O App

Things to do on board 

Best Family Cruises - Looking for the best family cruises? With 4 age-specific Kids Clubs, family dining, shore tours and more, a P&O Cruise is one of the best family holidays in Australia and New Zealand.

Cruise Accommodation - You’ll find all of the luxuries of a hotel room like a comfy bed and fluffy white towels, flat screen TV, personally-controlled air conditioning and wardrobe. All serviced daily with a smile.  Pick from: Interior, Oceanview, Balcony, Suite and Penthouse Suite (Pacific Explorer only).

P&O Entertainment - We’re always coming up with new and improved experiences so you can cruise, cruise and cruise some more. With so many experiences onboard you can choose to do it all or do nothing at all. It’s your holiday, your way!

Cruise Dining & Restaurants - What sets us apart from other cruise lines? Our commitment to innovative, fresh and fantastic food sourced through Australian farmers and suppliers. With a range of delicious dining experiences to choose from across the fleet, we're plating up everything from casual to connoisseur, so you can choose when, where and how you dine.

Melbourne, At Sea, Kangaroo Island, Port Arthur, Hobart, At Sea, Melbourne

All fares are displayed in Australian and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.