P&O Australia cruise ship Pacific Explorer, arrived yesterday at the port of Manila, Philippines to disembark over 300 crew. The skeleton crew after completing their contracts were assembled from various P&O Australia ships anchored off the coast of Malaysia and Singapore. 

“It's been a very busy day for the team but they did an excellent job so far, and we hope to get all our crew off by the 8th of June,” said Hotel Director Kevin Boag who is currently on the Pacific Explore

On the 9th of June, Pacific Explorer will pick up another 300 crew before bringing them back to their respective ships to allow another batch of crew to go home.

P&O Cruises Australia shared a video update from the HD Kevin Boag who said:

“Hello there from Pacific Explorer. We are looking after our flagship for you. I was on Pacific Encounter for a little while before transferring to Pacific Explorer so it has been great to experience both P&O ships.

Being a seafarer these days can be tough with international border closures. Travel is never straightforward and often takes you the long way round. It was certainly that way as I made my way to Encounter and then Explorer following the covid-safe path. So, at the end of my journey, when I was on the tender vessel and saw Pacific Encounter off in the distance, it really felt like I was coming home."

"It was quite a moment when I saw the big P&O sign up there on the funnel. I know you’re looking forward to being back on board too. I think you’ll feel the same as me when it happens. It’s like coming home and being back among friends. It gives you a warm feeling.”

Pacific Explorer is set to return to Australia and resume cruises on 20 September from Brisbane, if the cruise line receives permission from the Australian authorities.