Schoolies cruises out for P&O

P&O Cruises is to axe its controversial schoolies cruises in the wake of the Dianne Brimble scandal, despite the rush for cabins on this summer's program.

P&O Cruises is to axe its controversial schoolies cruises, despite the rush for cabins on this summer's program.

In the wake of the death of Dianne Brimble on board one of its ships and growing concern among parents the company is to cancel the three school leavers' cruises scheduled for late 2007.

But this summer's sold-out cruises aboard Pacific Sun will go ahead.

Managing director Gavin Smith said the move followed a decision by the company to stop offering age-specific holidays.

"P&O Cruises' passengers range from 12-month-olds to more than 90 years of age, with an average adult age of 47 years," he said."We want to cater for this diversity year-round."

Mr Smith said the company wanted to develop growth through the traditional, broad customer base.

"School leaver and other age-dedicated cruises are not where we see our business developing," he said. "Accordingly, we will no longer offer cruises dedicated to a specific age bracket."

P&O Cruises will apologise to school leavers already booked on the 2007 cruises for any inconvenience caused by the decision.

Mr Smith said P&O Cruises would operate its scheduled 2006 school leavers' cruises in November and December, which are fully booked.

He added that this year's school leavers' cruises would be subject to heightened security measures including additional security officers, CCTV cameras and the implementation of the company's new excessive behaviour policy.

Passengers engaging in inappropriate behaviour will be disembarked at the next port of call.