The biggest single influx of tourists in Australian history will float into Sydney this Thursday, December 23, with the arrival of the largest and youngest cruise ship ever to sail here – Sapphire Princess.
More than 2½ times the size of the Titanic and carrying 3800 passengers and crew - the equivalent of 11 full jumbos – the 116,000-ton Sapphire Princess will sail through Sydney Heads around 4.15am and dock at Circular Quay about 5.15am.
A skywriter will draw a huge “Sapphire is Here!” message above the city about 8am on Thursday.
The megaliner will sail for Melbourne the same day (Dec 23) at 9pm when a spectacular10-minute fireworks display over the 18-storey ship will accompany her departure from the Overseas Passenger Terminal.
This week’s visit by the six-month-old ship is expected to generate even more excitement than Sapphire’s ‘smaller’ sister, the 109,000-ton Star Princess, did last year.
Sapphire Princess’ visit is the first of four to Sydney this summer as part of a sell-out three month season of cruises between Australia and New Zealand that will see 22,000 passengers, including 4500 Australians, sail on the vessel in Australasian waters. She will visit Sydney again on January 18, February 11 and March 7.
Each visit to Sydney will generate more than $1 million for the local economy through passenger and crew spending, stores and port fees.
Operated by P&O Cruises’ US-based sister line, Princess Cruises, Sapphire Princess carries 3800 passengers and crew and took three million hours, 281,000 litres of paint and 3000km of wiring to build.
Sporting a Star Trek-like bridge and jet-engine-style pods on her funnel, Sapphire Princess is dubbed the ‘clean machine’ because of the revolutionary dual diesel and gas propulsion system that makes her one of the world’s most environmentally friendly liners.
Sapphire Princess boasts five pools, eight jacuzzis, nine restaurants and cafes, a wedding chapel with a live webcam, a mini golf course, 13 bars and lounges, the biggest internet centre at sea, two nightclubs including one overhanging the ship, a luxury spa sanctuary and 1337 cabins – 750 of them with their private balcony.
For more information, contact P&O Cruises on 132 469 or visit www.pocruises.com.au