Pacific Pearl returns for its final two-month season in February next year, while the larger Pacific Jewel starts its second New Zealand season from September until October 2017. P&O's Pacific Pearl has set sail following a record season in New Zealand. Pacific Pearl's five-month deployment in Auckland has been the biggest season for P&O, carrying 34,000 guests on 20 cruises. To mark her return to Australia, Pacific Pearl's four-day cruise will feature a number of friendly Aussies versus Kiwis battles - including a jandal throwing contest, touch rugby and a Marmite versus Vegemite back-off. Guests will also attempt to take the largest selfie at sea and a "Crossing the Line" ceremony will mark the ships passage into Australian waters.

Source: New Zealand Herald June 23, 2016 04:30 UTC