There has never been a better time to get on board for the cruise of a lifetime. Australians are joining the ever-booming number of holidaymakers taking to the high seas for a blissful, hassle-free vacation visiting places they have only dreamed about.
Fast becoming a once-a-year tradition, both P&O and Carnival Cruises offer Melbourne Cup cruise options from Brisbane and Sydney, arriving at Flemington in time for Tuesday, November 5. On the way, guests can socialise, wine, dine and pamper themselves on the short sail to Melbourne for the richest two-mile handicap horse race in the world.
Don your finest racing garb and saddle up on board the Carnival Splendor as the fun and adventure begin as soon as the ship leaves Sydney Harbour with a Phantom Cup call, canapés by the waterslides and themed cruise fare. With three days at sea and three days in Melbourne, the cruise includes general admission tickets and transfers to Flemington for both Lexus Melbourne Cup Day and Kennedy Oaks Day.
There are Spring Carnival-themed events and activities onboard along with a stellar line-up of racing and fashion events – think photo opportunities with racing legends, Fashions on the Splendor guest parade, racing trivia, a styling workshop at sea and a betting masterclass.
This year’s cruise will be joined by two-time Melbourne Cup-winning jockey, Corey Brown who has amassed 52 Group One wins worldwide and ridden more than 2400 total winners in Australia. With a racing resume that most jockeys would aspire to have, the now-retired Corey spends his time mentoring and training up-and-coming jockeys across Australia.
The ‘voice of Victorian racing’ for more than 36 years and renowned Melbourne Cup race caller, Greg Miles OAM, will host a question and answer session with Corey, along with sharing his racing tips at the betting masterclass and making hearts gallop when he runs a Phantom Race Call featuring legends of past 24 Cups.
You’ll also get an insight into what it’s like to call ‘the race that stops a nation’ in a special Q&A with Greg.
Appearing on the judging panel for the guest fashion parade and hosting an interactive styling workshop at sea, Katie Perry has almost two decades of experience in the fashion industry globally, working as a stylist, manager and buyer for stores including Browns in London, Oroton and David Jones. She launched her own fashion label in 2006 and has clothed thousands of women in her sustainable, stylist and travel-friendly signature line.
Katie will teach guests the tips and tricks to help you make the most of your wardrobe.
Get your bets ready and rally your group together for an unforgettable Melbourne Cup cruise with P&O – the celebrations begin as soon as you hop onboard. Cruise from Brisbane or Sydney to the most glamorous day of the racing year and you’ll enjoy two nights in Melbourne, one day visiting Flemington and time to explore the rest of the city at your leisure.
Soak up all the spectacle, glamour and celebrations at Flemington as you sip Champagne and cheer on the jockeys as they come around the bend. Then when it’s over, enjoy the remaining time onboard, partying the nights away and relaxing by day.
Cruise packages include tickets and transfers to Flemington on race day, themed entertainment including Q&As with former jockeys, racing personalities, legends and commentators plus the P&O Fashions at Sea parade.
