Saturday 12th December 2009 saw the official christening of the latest Jewel in P&O Cruises Australian fleet, the aptly named Pacific Jewel.
The Jewel shines after a multi-million refit in Singapore converted her into an elegant cruise ship for an Australian clientale.
But first, a little history: The Pacific Jewel started life in 1990 as the Crown Princess and is now reunited with her sister, the former Regal Princess which now cruises these waters as the Dawn Princess. The ship's distinctive profiles were the product of the Italian architect Renzo Piano, who in turn was inspired by the graceful shape of the dolphin. His bold curves were only partly carried through due to the expense of forming the steel to his unusual curved design. The front of the ship has his unique 'dolphin head' feature while the rest of the ship looks like every other balcony-clad floating hotel.
The Crown Princess underwent many changes and configurations but her penultimate appearance was as the garish Ocean Village Two.
Here is the Ocean Village Two passing our cruise ship the Costa Concordia on 25 May 2008 off the coast of Tunisia. Little did I know we would meet again in Sydney!
P&O put on a fine show with singers from Australian Idol and child friendly Christmas Carols for the many families that came down to see the ship. The white tents are booths providing samples of some of the amenities the ship will provide, such as extensive spa facilities (the largest on a ship based in the southern hemisphere) and fine dining. The event was well attended with several thousand people passing throughout the evening.
For all the little ones there was a large sandbox dominated by a friendly ' Captain Sandman'. How on earth they got the sand to stick together like that is beyond me?!
The hour of Christening is almost upon us, the customary bottle of Champagne was broken across the ship's bow at 9pm precisely by Australia's Governor General Quentin Bryce. The ship remained lit up through the twilight hours and into the evening until on cue, the bottle was successfully shattered and the festivites commenced with a long blast of her horn.
Once the bottle was broken a spectacular light show begun with strobes emanating light from the ship and acrobatic performers dancing on the top deck. As a climax there was a small, but still impressive, fireworks display.
Bon Voyage Pacific Jewel, may you have many safe cruises in our waters!
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