P&O Cruises’ newly refurbished ship, Pacific Eden, arrived in Cairns Wednesday, Aug. 23, to start a record three month homeported cruise season.

The first voyage is a nine-night cruise to Papua New Guinea stopping at P&O’s latest destination, the Conflict Islands, which, P&O said, is known for having the world’s most biodiverse reef systems

Pacific Eden will undertake 10 roundtrip cruises from Cairns this year including a mix of longer itineraries to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands and short SeaBreaks to Fraser Island and the Whitsundays. It will be the first time P&O has cruised to Airlie Beach and Fraser Island roundtrip from Cairns. 

The cruise line is estimating that more than 14,000 holidaymakers will sail on Pacific Eden between now and November 6, 2017. A third (36 percent) of guests will travel from interstate to join the ship providing a boost to local businesses.

P&O’s record Cairns cruise season is expected to inject around $11 million into the local economy in guest and crew spending, stevedoring and port charges.

Earlier this month, Pacific Eden underwent a multi-million dollar dry dock in Singapore where she emerged with two newly refurbished entertainment venues.

Pacific Eden’s two-story Marquee Show Lounge was given a stylish new look-and-feel with a dramatic black, white and emerald-green color scheme, custom wallpaper and unique artworks. 

Popular late night hot spot, The Dome, was updated to take on a contemporary nautical theme with navy blue and white hues, drapes and soft lighting.

Select suites and balcony cabins received new carpets and outdoor furniture while the cinema, spa, gym and kids clubs were revitalized. In total, 11,000 square meters of new carpet was fitted on the 1,500-passenger ship.

Completing her transformation, Pacific Eden now wears the signature Southern Cross livery emblazoned on her hull, which was debuted by Pacific Explorer in June this year. 

P&O Cruises President Sture Myrmell said in a prepared statement that the Pacific Eden’s presence in Cairns provides a convenient, practical and great value opportunity for locals to cruise from their doorstep. 

“It’s now even easier for residents of Far North Queensland to take a break and explore the idyllic remote beaches, culture and history found on the relatively untouched Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea,” Myrmell said.