P&O serves up some tennis

P&O Cruises recently held an Australian Open trade event in Melbourne, to celebrate the 2,900 passengers on the line’s first Tennis Cruise in three years.

Pacific Adventure set sail for a five-night itinerary, with guests enjoying two days of live tennis action at Melbourne Park.

Carnival Chief Commercial Officer Kathryn Robertson and VP of Sales & Marketing Ryan Taibel hosted several travel advisors at Rod Laver Arena for one of the nights (pictured), with US-based Seabourn Cruise Line VP Sales & Trade Relations Steve Smotrys also on the guest list.

Smotrys was in Sydney earlier this month (CW 18 Jan), before travelling down to Melbourne for two days of trade partner events.

In addition to catching two days of tennis at Melbourne Park, P&O passengers were able to watch matches on the ship’s big screen, and in the Black Circus theatre.

Meanwhile, special guest, Fox Sports’ Steve Hart, hosted sports trivia, as well as a number of Up Close & Personal shows with sports broadcasters Nicole and Mark Bradtke, John Marks, and Jim Wilson.

Guests were also offered a “meet and greet” experience on board the ship, where they were treated to a photo opportunity with two VIP visitors - the 2023 Australian Open winner’s trophies.

Adventure Entertainment Director Kirsty Fraser said the Australian Open cruise was one of the highlights in her calendar.

“I’m so thrilled we were able to take our guests back after a three-year absence,” she said.

“The weather was fabulous and the tennis was even better, and it was incredible being able to bring the trophies on board.”

P&O’s exclusive Australian Open Cruise for 2024 is already on sale, with the five-night itinerary departing Sydney on 19 Jan next year priced from $999 per person.