Cruise the Queensland coast for Christmas

Enjoy a day at sea with time to relax and explore Pacific Encounter before landfall at Airlie Beach. 

Located in the Whitsundays region, the coastal town of Airlie Beach is a holiday playground. Year-round tropical weather, palm-fringed beaches, al fresco dining, waterfront parks, markets and boutique shopping make Airlie Beach an ideal choice. Nearby, you’ll find waterfalls and tropical rainforests at Conway National Park and blonde sand and aqua blue waters at iconic Whitehaven Beach.

Surrounded on three sides by lush, tropical rainforest, Cairns is the perfect launchpad for shore excursions to the Great Barrier Reef and Kuranda aboard the railway of the same name. With two days in Cairns, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy a shore excursion and explore Cairns. The bustling seaside town of Port Douglas is your gateway to not only the Great Barrier Reef but the ancient Daintree Rainforest.

The Daintree covers an area of 1200 square kilometres and is the largest tropical rainforest in Australia. The creeping vines and emerald canopy have evolved over 130 million years. Marvel at Mossman Gorge or board a crocodile cruise. Try your hand at spearfishing or embark on a guided walk with an Aboriginal custodian. There are so many options.

At Willis Island, discover a patch of land that measures a mere 1,600 feet in length. From the deck of the ship, witness the thousands of seabirds such as boobies, wedge-tailed shearwaters, and sooty terns. Other highlights include a nearby coral reef and turtle nesting ground.

Pacific Encounter is one of P&O's new ships. Enjoy expansive views along with pure relaxation. Dine at Waterfront, Angelo’s, Dragon Lady, Shell & Bones or go casual in The Pantry. For something special head to new celebrity chef dining venues – Luke’s Bar & Grill by Luke Mangan and 400 Gradi. At The Lobby, you’ll find Charlie’s, The Deli and Ivy + Brie. You can meet in the morning for coffee, relax in the afternoon with your favourite drink and a cheese board and come back at night for chilled live music.

Find your favourite bar and chill to some live music or stay out late at Altitude nightclub. Families will love the dedicated indoor/outdoor family area with a pool, family-focussed fun, games, parties and activities. Plus the fabulous Twin Racer Waterslides will be coming to Pacific Encounter on 23 March 2023.
Splurge and book a suite or selected mini-suite and along with a host of great benefits, you’ll gain access to Byron Beach Club, a private retreat with pool, spas and comfy seating, located on the top deck of the ship.
There are more spaces to explore, more places to relax and more things to do. On Pacific Encounter, you’ll find there’s something for everyone.