Bookings open for P&O; Cruises' maiden voyage to Fraser

BOOKINGS have opened for P&O Cruises’ maiden voyages to Fraser Island, which also may include tours to Maryborough and Hervey Bay.

BOOKINGS have opened for P&O Cruises' maiden voyages to Fraser Island, which also may include tours to Maryborough and Hervey Bay.

The region's peak tourism body, Fraser Coast Opportunities, has been meeting with businesspeople and locals in the lead-up to the ship's arrival.

Last November the Chronicle revealed P&O Cruises would make two trips to Fraser Island this year and five in 2017.

Pacific Aria will make the maiden trip on April 3 from Brisbane, followed by Pacific Eden's maiden call on December 12 from Sydney.

FCO general manager Leigh Bennett said the organisation hosted visit cruise specialists and representatives from the Bob Wood Cruise Group.

"Bob Wood is the inbound tourism operator who creates packages with local tourism and hospitality providers when people do shore based activities," Mr Bennett said.

"They were very impressed with the offerings in both Hervey Bay and Maryborough and we understand are talking to local providers now."

Mr Bennett said the April cruise would be a comedy cruise.

"There may be fewer people likely to get off for shore activities," he said.