Spend a little time exploring the beguiling city of Brisbane. The Capital of the Sunshine state, Brisbane boast a vibrant café culture to match its classic relaxed Gold Coast vibe. While away the morning hours by meandering the city’s river banks which are lined with busy malls, riverfront plazas, outdoor man-made beaches, water parks, botanical gardens and wildlife parks. If time allows, head to Moreton Island, a quiet retreat of sandy dunes, bush and lagoons.

After you disembark from the comfort of the Spirit of Queensland, the balmy air and the azure waters of Cairns will transport you into a tropical paradise. The gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns enjoys thriving tourism, but a leisurely pace of life prevails here. Take a stroll along the Cairns Esplanade, enjoy the ocean views in the beautiful evening light and try some of the Balinese-inspired cuisine in one of the harbour-front restaurants.

You’ll enjoy a full day to explore Cairns and its lush tropical environs. From trips to Cape Tribulation and the Atherton Tablelands, nature lovers will be spoilt for choice here. Take a daytrip out to Green Island, a nearby national park or alternatively, visit the beautiful Cairns Botanic Gardens. Join one of the garden’s daily walking tours to discover exotic flowers and dedicated beds for Aboriginal plant use in the Gondwana Heritage Garden.

Pacific Explorer is P&O Australia’s newest addition with fresh designs reflecting the very best of modern Australia, with more elegance than ever before. There will be waterslides to zoom down, splash parks with larger-than-life interactive water features, bowls courts at sea (barefoot, no less!) and more restaurants and bars than you can shake a stick at. The innovative dining options include your new local pub, a fantastic chef’s table private dining experience, and unforgettable fine dining at Luke's.

With three days at sea, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the wonders of this delightful ship. Offering a diverse range of daytime activities, from bingo and indoor and outdoor movies to arts and crafts and dance classes, you’ll find something for every member of the family to enjoy. Meet fellow passengers at book club, breathe in fresh sea air during a walk around the promenade deck, head to the opulent spa for a treatment or two, or simply soak up the sun from one of the comfortable loungers on the sun deck.

Norfolk Island is a tiny Australian island in the South Pacific Ocean which is defined by pine trees and jagged cliffs. It has beautiful sandy beaches including Emily Bay, with reef-protected waters.

Spend the day exploring the highlights of Pacific Explorer including the calmest spot in the ocean, The Oasis, the Edge Adventure Park, The Marquee Theatre and so much more. Scale the rock-climbing wall or work up a sweat in the Evolve Health and Fitness centre before catching some rays at one of the poolside lounges.

Your cruise ends in Auckland where you’ll disembark Pacific Explorer.