P&O has moved quickly to halt an outbreak of bad behavior on its flagship Pacific Explorer after an alleged fight broke out during a three-day cruise.
The Pacific Explorer was forced to return to Sydney Harbour after the line asked NSW Police Marine Area Command to escort six men and a woman from the ship.
The vessel was on the second day of a three-night comedy cruise when incidents occurred.
P&O’s onboard security team halted the incident and police were asked to meet the ship, which set sail for Sydney Harbour.
She returned to Sydney and moored off Athol Bay anchorage around 1pm, allowing police to remove the seven passengers. She then left, returning to the harbour a few ours later.
A police spokesman said they were continuing their inquiries into a fight on board the vessel.
A P&O statement said: “P&O Cruises asked the NSW Police Marine Area Command to attend Pacific Explorer this morning to remove a group of people from the ship as a result of their behaviour on board overnight.
“This is in line with our strict policy of zero tolerance of excessive behaviour that affects the safety, comfort and enjoyment of other guests.
“While these occurrences are rare, we have no hesitation in taking strong action when necessary to adhere to this policy. Pacific Explorer is currently on a three-night round trip cruise from Sydney.
“Police met the ship inside the harbour to conduct the transfer of the group. We are assisting police in their inquiries.
“The group removed today will no longer be welcome to travel with P&O Cruises or any of its associated brands. Pacific Explorer is due to return to Sydney tomorrow to complete the short break cruise.”
A spokesperson praised the crew on board for apprehending those involved. “The onboard team did a very professional job,” Cruise Passenger was told.
9NEWS quoted passengers as claiming the brawl broke out outside a bar called the Blue Room after a woman was “hit on” by a group of men.
The Pacific Explorer has been operated by P&O since 2017, and was refurbished in line with P&O’s popular move to add top food, entertainment and activity venues to its ships.
She takes 1,998 passengers on 11 decks and features water slides, zip lining, rock climbing and what P&O describe as a “huge range of bars, pubs and live music venues.”
