Giant Cane Toad Invades NSW on State of Origin Cruise
In a colourful sea invasion from the north, a seven-metre giant cane toad hopped on to a P&O Cruises' ship this morning marking the Queensland invasion in the countdown to tonight's second State of Origin thriller.
The cane toad perched on Pacific Aria quietly slipped into Sydney early this morning with 2,000 Queenslanders onboard ready to cheer on their team in the much-anticipated game.
The seven-day roundtrip cruise departed Brisbane on Saturday and included a call to Moreton Island, before arriving in Sydney today, where all guests received complimentary transfers to the stadium and entry to the game as part of their cruise fare.
Former Maroons greats Petero Civoniceva and Scott Prince plus Blues legends Paul Sironen, Matt Cooper and Eric Grothe Senior joined fans onboard for a ship load of footy-themed activities such as Origin trivia hosted by Fox Sports presenter Steve Hart and touch footy on Moreton Island plus photo opportunities and Q&A sessions.
The ship will depart for Newcastle on Friday before arriving back in Brisbane on Monday, June 25. On the return leg guests will enjoy a panel-style post game wrap session hosted by the rugby league legends.
P&O Cruises President Sture Myrmell said the cruise line was experiencing growing interest for sports and rugby league cruises to main events such as the Holden State of Origin.
"This is the second year P&O has run dedicated cruises to the big rugby league games and it's proving to be one of the hottest tickets in town with transport, accommodation, food and entertainment included in the cruise fare," Mr Myrmell said.
Mr Myrmell said the cruise was one of a series of special holiday offerings which reflected P&O's role as the official cruise line of the NRL in 2017. Last month P&O offered a Blues cruise to the first State of Origin game and earlier this year put on a cruise to the Auckland Nines and a unique voyage with Rabbitohs legends.
As with P&O's other Main Event itineraries, including the Melbourne Cup and Australian Open cruises, all guests on the State of Origin cruises receive admission and transfers as part of their cruise fare making cruising a great value and easy way to attend the event.
Details of P&O's 2018 State of Origin cruises will be revealed later this year.
For more information visit pocruises.com.au, call 13 24 94 or see a licensed travel agent.
*subject to availability, conditions apply
Media Contacts:
Lyndsey Gordon, 0466 170 047
Zoe Finlayson, 0434 279 709
